Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Lexington
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1-10 years imprisonment. The Lexington General District Court at 2 South Main Street handles initial proceedings for all criminal 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. For court-specific information, visit the Lexington General District Court website for hours, forms, and contact details.
Lexington Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins with an arraignment at Lexington General District Court, where you enter a plea. The court then sets a trial date, typically within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Lexington Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Initial appearance: Appear at Lexington General District Court for arraignment. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights.
- Request discovery: File a motion for discovery to obtain all evidence the Commonwealth’s Attorney plans to use.
- Evaluate defense options: Review evidence for constitutional violations, witness credibility issues, or procedural errors.
- Negotiate with prosecutor: Discuss potential plea agreements, diversion programs, or dismissal based on evidence weaknesses.
- Prepare for trial: If no agreement is reached, prepare for bench trial in GDC or demand jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Lexington
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 Class 5 felonies carrying 1-10 years.
| 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 (§ 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+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, criminal history, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Lexington Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in Lexington. We have achieved 14 documented case results in Lexington across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and evidence collection.
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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in matters heard at Lexington General District Court and Lexington Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Lexington courts, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We represent individuals throughout the Lexington area and surrounding communities including those near Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
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
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you need assistance in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Lexington, explore our Lexington DUI/DWI lawyer or Lexington family law lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.