Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of potential incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Richmond location serves clients facing prosecution at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with specific penalties defined in the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in Lexington General District Court, while felonies may proceed to Lexington Circuit Court for jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 specific knowledge of Lexington court procedures.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses).
For court information and procedures: Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Procedures
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 2 South Main Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes cases in this venue.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24-48 hours of arrest for bond determination. Request personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: Enter a plea of not guilty at Lexington General District Court to preserve all defense options and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors. Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative dispositions.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare witness testimony, gather evidence, and develop trial strategy. For felony charges, prepare for preliminary hearing in GDC before potential Circuit Court trial.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to bench trial in Lexington General District Court for misdemeanors. For felonies, exercise right to jury trial in Lexington Circuit Court after preliminary hearing.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 under $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 | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed represent maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Filing fees and bonds: Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest—personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Our Experience in Lexington Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings specific advantages to Lexington criminal cases. Founded in 1997, our firm combines over 120 years of combined attorney experience with 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with direct insight into investigation and prosecution methods.
We have 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our Richmond location represents clients at Lexington courts, providing convenient access for case preparation and court appearances.
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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable settlements in criminal matters heard at Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout Lexington and surrounding communities including areas near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington, Virginia. Accessible via I-81 and I-64 corridors.
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 Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Lexington DUI/DWI Lawyer
Attorney profile: Bryan Block
Location: Richmond Office
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 guidance.