Facing a sexual battery charge in Bedford County? Under Va. Code § 18.2-67.4, sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County. A Sexual Battery Lawyer Bedford County can protect your rights.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Bedford County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 (official Virginia General Assembly)
In Virginia, sexual battery is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 as unwanted sexual touching against a person’s will, accomplished through force, threat, intimidation, or when the victim is physically helpless or mentally incapacitated. Unlike rape, sexual battery does not require sexual intercourse. The statute covers any intentional sexual contact with the intimate parts of another person without their consent. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and requires sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-902. An unwanted sexual contact defense lawyer Bedford County understands these serious consequences.
Key external resources for your case: Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Bedford County General District Court website.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the Bedford County General District Court judge at 123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523. The judge reads the charge and sets bond.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases): If charged as a felony (aggravated sexual battery), the court holds a preliminary hearing within 21-60 days to determine probable cause.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your lawyer can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before this date.
- Discovery & Motions: Your lawyer reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony trials move to Bedford County Circuit Court. You have the right to a jury trial.
- Appeal: If convicted in General District Court, you can appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial within 10 days.
In Bedford County, a sexual battery conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-67.4) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-902; permanent criminal record |
| Aggravated Sexual Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-67.3) | Class 2 Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Sex offender registration; loss of firearm rights; potential civil commitment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street). Accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. Serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. Sexual battery charge lawyer Bedford County — call 24/7.
Yes. Sexual battery under Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 requires proof of force, threat, or intimidation. If the Commonwealth cannot prove these elements, your lawyer can move for dismissal.
Yes. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-67.4 requires registration under Va. Code § 9.1-902 for life. Your lawyer can negotiate a plea to a non-registerable offense.
It depends. If charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, your case stays in Bedford County General District Court. If charged as aggravated sexual battery (Class 2 felony), it moves to Circuit Court for trial.
No. Virginia does not allow expungement for convictions. Only acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi qualify under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
It depends. The magistrate sets bond at arrest. Personal recognizance is possible for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (10% to a bondsman) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to the General District Court.
Yes. Even a misdemeanor sexual battery conviction creates a permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards. Registration under Va. Code § 9.1-902 adds lifelong restrictions.