Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Prince George County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Prince George County. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Prince George County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince George County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, such as grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The Prince George County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) for the complete statutory text. For court procedures and locations, 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 Prince George County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
- Arraignment: You will appear at Prince George County General District Court (6601 Courts Drive) to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files pre-trial motions.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): For felony charges, a hearing is held in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony jury trials occur in Prince George County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a General District Court decision to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Prince George County Criminal Penalties
In Prince George County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Experience in Prince George County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on a case-specific approach for each client in Prince George County. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 result in Prince George County for criminal defense matters.
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 (6601 Courts Drive), accessible via I-295, Route 10, and Route 36. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Prince George, Hopewell area, and Fort Gregg-Adams.
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 and petit larceny. 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 is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince George County General District Court. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent record. 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 neighboring areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Prince George County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.