Criminal Defense Lawyer in King William County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
King William County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented results in King William County. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand local court procedures. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in King William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony, such as grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The King William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | King William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
King William County Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. For misdemeanors, your trial will be at the King William County General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing occurs there first, then the case moves to King William County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance: You will see a magistrate who may set a bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at King William County General District Court.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in King William County
In King William County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Experience in Virginia Criminal Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on case-specific defense strategies. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We serve King William County from our Richmond location.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
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 King William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 2 documented criminal defense results in King William County: 2 charges reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King William County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the King William County courts on Courthouse Lane. We represent individuals in King William, West Point, and Aylett. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault, petit larceny, and driving on a suspended license.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King William 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 King William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in King William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond (a bail bondsman charges about 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the King William County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King William County, Virginia?
Yes. Charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King William County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. An attorney can protect your rights and seek a favorable outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King William County?
King William County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense with potential jail time.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | King William County DUI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.