
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Henrico County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. You need a defense lawyer who knows Henrico County General District Court procedures and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s approach.
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Henrico County, these charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and adjudicated at the Henrico County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, or the Henrico County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s background in law enforcement and prosecution provides a clear view of how cases are built and challenged.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For Henrico County court information: Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process
The Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Henrico County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Review discovery and file pre-trial motions: Challenge evidence, suppress statements, or move for dismissal based on procedural errors or lack of probable cause.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor or prepare for trial: Pursue dismissal, reduction, or alternative disposition. If no agreement, prepare for bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Post-trial options: Appeal to Henrico County Circuit Court, seek expungement for dismissals/acquittals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, or comply with sentence terms.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, criminal history, and court discretion.
Filing fees and bonds: Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%) 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 in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Henrico County. The firm’s tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects its approach to handling cases in local courts like Henrico County General District Court with detailed knowledge of Virginia law.
With 4,739+ firm-wide case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, the firm has documented experience across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. For Henrico County specifically, there are 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
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 provides unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges in Henrico County courts.
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 dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for Henrico County criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County and the surrounding communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
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 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 Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page.
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby localities.
Henrico County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Henrico County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice areas in Henrico County.
Attorney Profile: Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.