Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years. The Dinwiddie County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Dinwiddie County General District Court website — court information and procedures.
How Dinwiddie County Criminal Cases Work
Your case starts with an arrest or summons. A magistrate sets bond. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Dinwiddie County files charges. You appear at Dinwiddie County General District Court for arraignment.
- Arrest/Summons: You are arrested or receive a summons to appear in court.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Dinwiddie County General District Court, enter a plea, and receive a trial date.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or is resolved through negotiation.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal to Dinwiddie County Circuit Court.
Dinwiddie County Criminal Penalties
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony means 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 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Dinwiddie County Criminal Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper (Bryan Block) and a former Maryland prosecutor (Kristen Fisher). We understand police procedures and prosecution strategies from the inside.
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
Dinwiddie County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Dinwiddie County: 2 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 2 charges reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. We achieve results through careful case analysis and local court knowledge.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Dinwiddie County courts. We are accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We represent clients in Dinwiddie and McKenney. Call (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Dinwiddie 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 are heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Dinwiddie 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 Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Dinwiddie County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Dinwiddie County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Dinwiddie County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Dinwiddie County?
Dinwiddie County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Dinwiddie 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Dinwiddie County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — learn more about your attorney.
- Richmond Office Location — our serving location.
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.