Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges like assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Dinwiddie County. Our firm provides full representation for misdemeanors and felonies heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court. You need a case-specific approach to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault, can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison. The specific penalties depend on the offense and your prior record.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Information about Dinwiddie County court procedures is available from the Dinwiddie County General District Court website.
Local Court Process in Dinwiddie County
Dinwiddie County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the lower court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Dinwiddie County prosecutes cases.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a judge to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: If you were arrested, a magistrate sets bond. For many first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance (no payment) is common.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence from the prosecutor and may file pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence based on Virginia’s sentencing guidelines and the specifics of your case.
- Appeal: You have an absolute right to appeal a General District Court decision to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Dinwiddie County, a criminal charge carries penalties ranging from fines and probation to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years* | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, increased insurance |
*A Class 5 or 6 felony sentence can be reduced to misdemeanor penalties (up to 12 months/$2,500) at the jury’s discretion. Results may vary.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is more likely for felonies.
Our Experience in Virginia Criminal Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide. We provide global advocacy with local precision for clients in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 2 charges reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Near Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Dinwiddie County courts (Dinwiddie Courthouse), accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie and McKenney.
We serve the Dinwiddie County area and surrounding communities including Dinwiddie and McKenney.
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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie County 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.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi (the prosecutor’s decision to drop the charge) under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Dinwiddie County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges about 10%, is more likely for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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 potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Dinwiddie County, consider our services for DUI/DWI defense or family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
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.