Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Lexington, Virginia, 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 14 documented case results in Lexington. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a case-specific approach for charges heard at Lexington General District Court. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault or petit larceny under $1,000, can result in up to 12 months incarceration and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years, or up to 12 months at jury discretion). The Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles initial proceedings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official legislative website. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins at the Lexington General District Court. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings occur here. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Lexington General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress or dismiss if applicable.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Lexington Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
In Lexington, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years in prison.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach in Lexington is informed by direct knowledge of local court procedures and prosecution strategies.
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 Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, Virginia. These results reflect our commitment to vigorous representation in local courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide representation for individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities.
Availability: 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 Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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 Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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 deferred disposition. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington 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 Lexington, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 14 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Lexington?
Lexington General District Court 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. Lexington General District Court (2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Lexington DUI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your Lexington criminal case.
