Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Criminal charges in Lexington create a permanent record visible to employers, making early legal intervention critical.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Common charges in Lexington include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
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. The Lexington General District Court website provides local forms, rules, and contact information.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes cases. In Lexington General District Court, prosecutors routinely offer first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Arraignment: You appear in Lexington General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): For felony charges, a hearing is held in GDC to determine if probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court, or a negotiated plea is reached.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines and statutory penalties.
Lexington Criminal Penalties
In Lexington, 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $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 for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years (or 12 months if treated as misdemeanor) | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program may be available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the Lexington judge.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond is typical for felonies, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%. Public defender eligibility is based on income. A court-appointed attorney fee ranges from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony.
Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our Lexington criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight into police procedures and evidence challenges. 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
Lexington Case Results
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. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450), accessible via I-81 and I-64. We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities, including those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
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 a deferred disposition program.
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. A secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Early legal representation can protect your rights and seek a favorable outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court (GDC) 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.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state-wide hub page.
Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in Lexington.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Our Richmond Location – Details about our office serving Lexington.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance specific to your Lexington criminal case.