Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Obstruction of justice is a serious charge in Chesterfield County, classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-460, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. As an obstruction defense lawyer Chesterfield County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in this jurisdiction.
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Statute
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The law prohibits knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, fleeing, or physically interfering. The statute is broad, and intent is a key element the Commonwealth must prove. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Chesterfield County often handles related charges under this same statute.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the obstruction statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Court Process for Obstruction Charges
In Chesterfield County, obstruction charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Chesterfield County General District Court. Prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly to hinder an officer. A common defense is lack of intent or mistaken identity.
- Receive a summons or warrant for an obstruction charge.
- Attend your arraignment at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road) to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery, which includes the police report and any body-worn camera footage.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal, or proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- If convicted, you can appeal to the Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, obstruction of justice is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; can affect employment, housing, professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Chesterfield County Courts
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 every case. We have a documented record in Chesterfield County, including favorable outcomes on charges like profane language over public airways and underage alcohol possession. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of local court procedures and prosecutorial tactics.
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 Chesterfield County
Our firm has achieved documented results in Chesterfield County. In one case, a charge of “Profane Language Over Public Airway” under Va. Code § 18.2-427 resulted in a Not Guilty verdict at the Chesterfield County GDC. In another, a charge of “Purchase/Possess Alcohol” by a minor was Dismissed. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road), accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 10. We are an obstruction defense lawyer near Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Obstruction of Justice Defense in Chesterfield County
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
It is knowingly hindering a law enforcement officer, judge, or other official in their duties, under Va. Code § 18.2-460. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can I go to jail for obstruction in Chesterfield County?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor conviction for obstruction can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine in Chesterfield County General District Court.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
It depends. Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction involving physical force to prevent an arrest. Both are charged under Va. Code § 18.2-460 and a resisting arrest defense lawyer Chesterfield County can address the nuances. General obstruction can be non-physical, like giving false information.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. The potential for jail time and a permanent record makes legal counsel critical. An obstruction defense lawyer Chesterfield County can challenge the evidence of intent and seek dismissal or reduction.
What are common defenses to obstruction?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t know you were hindering an officer), mistaken identity, or that the officer was not engaged in a lawful duty at the time. An obstruction of justice defense lawyer Chesterfield County will investigate these angles.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles DUI defense in Chesterfield County and family law matters. For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.