In Gloucester County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 documented case results in Gloucester County. A Murder Defense Lawyer Gloucester County can help protect your rights and future.
Virginia law defines criminal offenses 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 Gloucester County prosecutes all criminal cases. A homicide defense lawyer Gloucester County understands these classifications and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information on Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures and local rules, see the Gloucester County General District Court website.
Gloucester County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Gloucester County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in Gloucester County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Pretrial conference with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to discuss plea options.
- Misdemeanor trial or felony preliminary hearing in General District Court.
- If convicted, appeal to Gloucester County Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Felony cases proceed to Circuit Court for indictment and jury trial.
In Gloucester County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
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 across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our murder charge defense strategy lawyer Gloucester County team brings extensive courtroom experience to every case.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas in Gloucester County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has achieved 4,739+ 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 Gloucester County courts (7400 Justice Drive). The court is accessible via Route 17, Route 14, and Route 3 (via bridge). We serve Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Gloucester County? Our team is available 24/7.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Gloucester 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 Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061). 9 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Gloucester County, Virginia?
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 Gloucester County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 9 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Gloucester County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Gloucester County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Gloucester County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 9 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Gloucester County?
Gloucester County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Gloucester 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. Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061) is the GDC location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.