Murder Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
A murder charge in Henrico County carries life in prison under Va. Code § 18.2-32. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County builds your case from day one.
Virginia Murder Laws and Penalties
Under Virginia law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Va. Code § 18.2-32 classifies first-degree murder as a Class 2 felony carrying life imprisonment. Second-degree murder under § 18.2-32 is a Class 3 felony with a penalty of 5 to 40 years in prison. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County understands these statutory distinctions and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-32 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
Review the official Virginia murder statute at Va. Code § 18.2-32 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Henrico County Murder Cases
Henrico County General District Court handles felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes murder cases aggressively. Your Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County must act before the preliminary hearing.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest.
- Request a preliminary hearing within 21-60 days.
- File discovery motions to obtain police reports and evidence.
- Review grand jury proceedings for procedural errors.
- Prepare for Circuit Court trial if bound over.
Penalty Table for Murder Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, murder under Va. Code § 18.2-32 carries life imprisonment for first-degree and 5-40 years for second-degree.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | Class 2 Felony | Life imprisonment | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Second-Degree Murder | Class 3 Felony | 5-40 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Murder Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating deep legislative knowledge that benefits all criminal defense strategies.
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Examples include: Reckless Driving Speeding in Excess 80 MPH (dismissed), Reckless Driving Passing School Bus (dismissed), and Sell Alcohol to Unauthorized Person (dismissed).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Henrico County Murder Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road), accessible via I-64, I-95, I-295, Route 250, Route 1, and Route 33.
Looking for a Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County near Short Pump Town Center or Innsbrook Corporate Center? We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murder Defense in Henrico County
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree murder in Virginia?
Yes. First-degree murder requires premeditation and carries life imprisonment. Second-degree murder is a killing without premeditation, carrying 5-40 years. Both are Class 2 and Class 3 felonies respectively under Va. Code § 18.2-32.
Can a murder charge be reduced to manslaughter in Henrico County?
It depends. Voluntary manslaughter (heat of passion) or involuntary manslaughter (reckless conduct) may apply. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County can negotiate reductions based on evidence of provocation or lack of malice.
How long does a murder case take in Henrico County?
It depends. Felony preliminary hearings occur within 21-60 days. Circuit Court trials take 3-9 months. Virginia speedy trial rights require trial within 9 months if incarcerated. Complex cases may extend beyond one year.
What defenses are available for murder charges in Virginia?
Yes. Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity, alibi, and insufficient evidence. A Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County evaluates all available defenses based on your specific facts.
Do I need a lawyer immediately after a murder arrest in Henrico County?
Yes. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Contact a Murder Defense Lawyer Henrico County immediately. Do not speak to police without your lawyer present. Early representation protects your rights.
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.
See our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page for more information.
Related localities: Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Related services: Henrico County DUI Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer