Chesterfield County criminal charges carry serious consequences — a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 means up to 12 months in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County, including 3 dismissals. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Chesterfield County
Criminal offenses in Virginia are defined under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes all criminal cases. Offenses range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felonies (1-5 years prison). The classification determines the maximum penalty and court jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Review the official statutes: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesterfield County General District Court website for procedural information.
Insider Procedural Edge: Chesterfield County General District Court
Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 9500 Courthouse Road operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Step 1: Initial Appearance — Appear before the magistrate at Chesterfield County Jail or the courthouse for bond setting.
- Step 2: Arraignment — Enter a plea at Chesterfield County General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Step 3: Discovery — Your attorney reviews police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth.
- Step 4: Pre-Trial Motions — File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural violations.
- Step 5: Trial or Plea — Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court; felony cases move to Circuit Court.
- Step 6: Sentencing — If convicted, the judge imposes penalties within statutory ranges.
In Chesterfield County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time depending on classification.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Chesterfield County Criminal Cases
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
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds cases.
Chesterfield County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate in this jurisdiction.
- PROFAN LANG OVER PUBLIC AIRWAY (Va. Code § 18.2-427) — Not Guilty. Chesterfield County GDC.
- PURCHASE/POSSESS ALCOHOL (Va. Code § 4.1-305) — Dismissed. Chesterfield General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street). We serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesterfield County? Our team provides 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and $1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Chesterfield County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesterfield County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. With 5 documented results including 3 dismissals, legal representation provides a strategic advantage.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield 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.
Learn more about our Virginia criminal defense services. We also serve Henrico County and Colonial Heights. For related matters, see our Chesterfield County DUI lawyer and Chesterfield County family law lawyer pages.
Meet our attorney: Bryan Block, Former Virginia State Trooper. Visit our Richmond office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.