Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia
Criminal Charges in Bedford County, Virginia
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 19.2-295.1). A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Common charges in Bedford County include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301).
Last verified: March 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court procedures and forms for Bedford County are available on the Bedford County General District Court website.
Bedford County Criminal Court Process
Bedford County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County prosecutes cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2—successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Bedford County General District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felonies move to Bedford County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a General District Court decision to Bedford County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Bedford County Criminal Penalties
In Bedford County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Driving Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, increased insurance |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Bedford County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Bedford County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 other favorable outcome—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street). We are accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations—(888) 437-7747—meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 are heard at Bedford County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Bedford County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Shenandoah County and Frederick County. In Bedford County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.