In Bedford County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissals/not guilty, 1 other favorable outcome. Former prosecutors on staff. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 1 (life in prison) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The primary statutes governing criminal offenses are Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses), with sentencing under § 19.2-295.1 and expungement provisions under § 19.2-392.2. Bedford County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for Bedford County Criminal Cases
For the complete text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s official code site. For court procedures, forms, and local rules, visit the Bedford County General District Court website.
What to Expect in Bedford County Court
Bedford County General District Court at 123 East Main Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
- Arraignment: Appear before the judge to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to trial or negotiate a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties within statutory ranges.
In Bedford County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (over $1,000) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Bedford County Criminal Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. The firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects a commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation.
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
Case Results in Bedford County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: Underage Alcohol Possession charge taken under advisement for 12 months with dismissal upon completion of 50 hours of community service (Bedford County J&DR Court); Computer solicitation of a minor — Bond Granted (Bedford County Circuit Court).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Bedford County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523), accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Bedford County? We serve Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
Neighborhoods Served: Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Bedford County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and $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 are heard at Bedford County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Bedford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Bedford County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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 updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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