Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and can create a permanent record. A strong defense is critical.
Virginia Criminal Law and Henrico County Procedures
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Henrico County court information, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Handling a Criminal Case in Henrico County
Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. You can request a bond review in Henrico County General District Court.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at your arraignment date.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will request evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor, potentially for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Henrico County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 (if Class 6) | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Jail time likely if suspended for DUI |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, requiring a bail bondsman, is typical for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445 or more for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.” For Henrico County, we have 8 documented criminal defense results with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing deep insight into local court procedures.
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 Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 case was reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving the Henrico County Area
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are accessible via I-64, I-95, I-295, Route 250 (Broad Street), Route 1, and Route 33. As a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County, we serve the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
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 Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Chesterfield County and Hanover County. In Henrico County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and reckless driving charges. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.