In Lexington, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. An Insider Trading lawyer Lexington can provide critical guidance for federal financial crimes.
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor level, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Felony classifications range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes all criminal cases in the city.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official statute information, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Lexington General District Court website for court procedures and scheduling.
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 2 South Main Street.
- Arrest or summons issued — bond set by magistrate within hours.
- First appearance in Lexington General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery exchanged between prosecution and defense within 14 days.
- Pre-trial motions filed and argued before the judge.
- Trial or plea hearing scheduled 4-8 weeks from arraignment.
- Sentencing or dismissal entered on the record.
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of experience, also handle criminal defense matters in Lexington.
In Lexington, SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a reckless driving charge (84/65) reduced to 74/65 speed, and an 87/70 reckless driving charge amended to improper control.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street), accessible via I-81 and I-64. A securities insider trading defense lawyer Lexington can assist with complex federal financial investigations.
We serve the Lexington community, including the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University areas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Lexington, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Lexington 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), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, 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 Lexington Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Lexington, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Lexington. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Lexington are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Lexington General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Lexington 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. See also our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer pages. For related services in Lexington, see our Lexington DUI lawyer and Lexington family law lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.