
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 5 felonies (1-10 years imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes these cases at the Prince George County General District Court located at 6601 Courts Drive.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). Court information and procedures for Prince George County are available at the Prince George County General District Court website.
Prince George County Criminal Court Process
Prince George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes cases with specific local procedures. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (typically 10% through a bondsman) applies to felonies.
- Arraignment at Prince George County General District Court: Appear at 6601 Courts Drive, Prince George, VA 23875. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Prince George County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or first offender program: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal upon completion.
- Appeal or expungement: Appeal GDC decisions to Circuit Court. File expungement petitions for acquittals or dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Prince George County Criminal Penalties
In Prince George County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony or Class 1 Misdemeanor | 1-10 years or up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Prince George County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to Prince George County criminal cases.
Bryan Block — Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper)
Bryan Block brings 15 years of experience as a former Virginia State Trooper to criminal defense cases in Prince George County. Admitted to the Virginia Bar, U.S. Bankruptcy Court (Eastern District of Virginia), and U.S. District Court (Eastern District of Virginia), his law enforcement background provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards. He represents clients in Prince George County General District Court and Circuit Court for serious traffic violations, DUI/DWI defense, and major state felonies.
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
Prince George County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Prince George County. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results across all jurisdictions with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We handle assault, theft, drug possession, DUI, and other criminal charges in Prince George County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Prince George County courts (6601 Courts Drive), accessible via I-295, Route 10, Route 36, and Route 156. We provide criminal defense representation throughout Prince George and the Hopewell area. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations — 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 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 Services
For full Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Prince George County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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 legal guidance specific to your situation.