In Lexington, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Manslaughter Lawyer Lexington can explain your defense options.
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. An involuntary manslaughter defense lawyer Lexington understands these classifications and their specific applications.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statutes at Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court procedures are governed by the Lexington General District Court.
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 2 South Main Street processes cases efficiently, with first appearance typically within 72 hours of arrest. A negligent homicide lawyer Lexington knows the local prosecutors and court procedures intimately.
- Arrest and booking at Lexington Police Department.
- Magistrate sets bond — personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- First appearance at Lexington General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery and pretrial motions phase (4-8 weeks for misdemeanors).
- Trial or plea negotiation before the assigned judge.
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with specific classifications determining maximum sentences.
| 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extension | Criminal record, possible vehicle impoundment |
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. With 4,739+ documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide, our attorneys bring deep courtroom experience to every case. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010, and Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of criminal defense experience.
In Lexington, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. Serving Lexington and surrounding communities.
“Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington” — we are your local resource for criminal defense.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Our attorneys also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For related legal matters in Lexington, see our DUI/DWI Lawyer Lexington page.
Learn more about Bryan Block, our lead attorney for Lexington criminal defense cases.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.