Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County 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 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court procedures and forms, visit the Prince George County General District Court website.
Prince George County Court Process
Prince George County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince George County prosecutes cases at the courthouse on 6601 Courts Drive.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The prosecution must show probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony), or a plea agreement may be reached.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Criminal Penalties in Prince George County
In Prince George County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Virginia 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 who understand both sides of criminal cases. We focus on case-specific defense strategies for Prince George County residents.
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 Prince George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Prince George County. Our firm-wide track record across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince George County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Prince George County courts on 6601 Courts Drive, accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 36. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Prince George and the Hopewell area. We serve the Prince George, Hopewell area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Prince George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince George County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Prince George County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince George 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 Prince George County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince George County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince George County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince George County?
Prince George County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince George 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
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Prince George County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.