Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Virginia law.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with specific penalties defined in the Virginia Code. In Lexington, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at the Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, while felony trials proceed to Lexington Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in Lexington.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Lexington are available through the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Criminal cases in Lexington begin with an arrest or summons, followed by an initial appearance at Lexington General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at its location at 2 South Main Street.
- Initial Appearance: Appear at Lexington General District Court for arraignment, where charges are formally read and you enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: Request a bond hearing if detained; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery Review: Obtain and review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and witness statements.
- Motion Filing: File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to trial in GDC for misdemeanors or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, prepare for preliminary hearing and potential Circuit Court trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years of incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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 under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and court discretion.
Filing fees and bonds: Bond amount is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Public defender eligibility is based on income; court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Lexington Criminal Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Lexington. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation with a case-specific approach, drawing on our team’s firsthand experience with prosecution and law enforcement 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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for criminal defense matters. These results include dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements negotiated at Lexington General District Court and Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Lexington, Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and Washington and Lee University. We serve the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Lexington, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.