In Gloucester County, 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 9 documented case results in Gloucester County. Former prosecutors on staff provide strong defense. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor 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. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). These statutes apply in Gloucester County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Gloucester County General District Court website.
Gloucester County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion. Expungement is available for acquittals, nolle prosequi, and dismissals under § 19.2-392.2. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and initial appearance before the magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in Gloucester County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- If convicted, sentencing hearing; appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days.
- Post-conviction options: expungement for dismissals/acquittals under § 19.2-392.2.
In Gloucester County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration. Below is the penalty structure for common classifications.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extension | Criminal record; insurance surcharge |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Advocacy Without Borders.
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, a 30+ year veteran death penalty certified attorney. Together, they bring decades of prosecutorial and defense experience to Gloucester County cases.
In Gloucester County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: reckless driving by speed 83/55 reduced to 74/55 speeding; reckless driving by speed 85/55 amended to improper control; reckless driving improper brakes dismissed.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Gloucester County courts (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061), accessible via Route 17, Route 14, and Route 3. We serve Gloucester and Gloucester Point. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Gloucester 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), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061). 9 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Gloucester County, 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 Gloucester County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 9 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Gloucester County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Gloucester County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Gloucester County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Gloucester County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Gloucester County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 9 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Gloucester County?
Gloucester County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Gloucester 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. Gloucester County General District Court (7400 Justice Drive, Room 102, Gloucester, VA 23061) is the GDC location.
Review our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page.
See also: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer.
Related services: DUI/DWI lawyer in Gloucester County and divorce and family law lawyer in Gloucester County.
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.