In Chesterfield County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County courts. An Arson Lawyer Chesterfield County provides critical defense when facing fire-related charges. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Chesterfield County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes violations ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. An Arson Lawyer Chesterfield County understands the specific statutes governing fire-related charges, including Va. Code § 18.2-77 (burning or destroying a building) and § 18.2-80 (attempted arson). The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled numerous criminal cases in Chesterfield County courts.
Arson charges in Virginia fall under Va. Code § 18.2-77 through § 18.2-85, which define various degrees of burning property. A conviction for arson of an occupied building carries a minimum of 5 years in prison. An arson charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County must understand the specific elements the prosecution must prove, including intent and property classification.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website. These resources provide the statutory framework and court procedures relevant to your case.
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases aggressively. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Appear at your arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court, 9500 Courthouse Road.
- Request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney within 10 days.
- File any pretrial motions, including suppression motions, before trial date.
- Attend all scheduled hearings; failure to appear results in a capias warrant.
- Consider a plea agreement or first-offender program if eligible.
- If convicted, file an appeal to Chesterfield County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 5 Felony | Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Class 6 Felony | Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s motto: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
In Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360. Looking for a fire-related criminal charge lawyer Chesterfield County near you? We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.