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 imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide defense at Lexington General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings accounting and information systems experience to complex cases.
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. Court procedures and local rules for Lexington cases are available at the Lexington General District Court website.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings in Lexington occur at Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance: Appear at Lexington General District Court for arraignment. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve your rights.
- Discovery Review: Your attorney will obtain and review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and witness statements.
- Motion Filing: File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Negotiation: Negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges, diversion programs, or favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare for trial by developing a defense strategy, interviewing witnesses, and preparing exhibits for presentation.
- Court Appearance: Present your case at trial in Lexington General District Court or exercise your right to a jury trial in Lexington Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years of 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 (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | 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+ | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Public defender eligibility is based on income. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies.
Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
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, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions in criminal matters heard at Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We represent clients throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities, including those near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University.
Criminal defense lawyer near Lexington. 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.
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).
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
For more information about criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Lexington, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. 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 guidance.