Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Henrico County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes all cases at the Henrico County General District Court located at 4301 East Parham Road.
Last verified: March 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia Crimes and Offenses Code (Title 18.2) for the full statutory text. For court procedures, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Henrico County Court Process
The key local procedural fact: Henrico County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Request personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Henrico County GDC: Enter a plea of not guilty at your first court date at 4301 East Parham Road. This preserves your right to a trial and discovery.
- Review Discovery and File Motions: The Commonwealth’s Attorney must provide evidence. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Consider First Offender Program: For eligible first-time offenses, petition the court under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion results in dismissal.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or demand a jury trial in Circuit Court. Negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Post-Trial Options: If convicted in GDC, appeal to Henrico County Circuit Court for a new trial. If acquitted or dismissed, file for expungement under § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Henrico County
In Henrico County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, prison time |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Case Results in Henrico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented criminal defense results in Henrico County: 7 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results include dismissed reckless driving and passing a school bus charges at Henrico General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County courts (4301 East Parham Road). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Henrico County, accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve the Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville areas. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County 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 Henrico County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (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 Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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 jail time. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. In Henrico County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and reckless driving charges. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office 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.