
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in Prince George County General District Court; felonies proceed to Prince George County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes all cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Prince George County General District Court website — Virginia court system .gov domain.
Prince George County Court Process
The Prince George County General District Court at 6601 Courts Drive handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court serves Prince George County and the Hopewell area.
- Initial Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Prince George County General District Court to enter a plea. The court schedules a trial or preliminary hearing.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney requests evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress can be filed.
- Trial or Preliminary Hearing: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports sending the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Proceedings (if applicable): If bound over, the case proceeds to Prince George County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing and Post-Trial: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Expungement may be available for acquittals or dismissals.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Prince George County
In Prince George County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, prison time |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Bryan Block — Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper)
Bar admissions: Virginia; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. Former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. He provides case-specific defense strategies for criminal and traffic matters in Prince George County.
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 Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Prince George County for criminal defense matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location is approximately 30 minutes from Prince George County General District Court, accessible via I-295 and Route 10. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Prince George County and the Hopewell area. We serve the Prince George, Hopewell area 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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George 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 Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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 Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — parent hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — sibling locality page.
- Prince George County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area page.
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile — primary attorney profile.
- Richmond Office Location — location landing page.
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.