Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties, including up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. 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. Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at Dinwiddie County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Dinwiddie County
Virginia criminal law defines offenses and penalties in statutes like Va. Code § 18.2-57 (assault and battery) and § 18.2-96 (petit larceny). The law categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with specific punishments for each class.
Last verified: March 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Dinwiddie County court information, see the Dinwiddie County General District Court website.
Dinwiddie County Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. The Dinwiddie County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Dinwiddie County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Attend your arraignment at Dinwiddie County General District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Work with your attorney to review evidence and identify defense strategies or negotiation points.
- For misdemeanors, prepare for trial in General District Court or consider a plea agreement.
- For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence for a Circuit Court trial.
- If the case proceeds to Circuit Court, prepare for jury trial proceedings and sentencing if convicted.
- Explore post-trial options like appeals or expungement petitions if the case is dismissed or you are acquitted.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Dinwiddie County
In Dinwiddie County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors 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 typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| 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 |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Dinwiddie County
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 focus on providing full representation in criminal cases in Dinwiddie County and surrounding areas.
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 Dinwiddie County
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 cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving Dinwiddie County
Our Richmond location serves clients at Dinwiddie County courts (Dinwiddie Courthouse), accessible via I-85, Route 1, and Route 460. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Dinwiddie County for residents of Dinwiddie and McKenney. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 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) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). 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. 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 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
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby area, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer services. In Dinwiddie County, we also assist with DUI/DWI defense and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.