Lexington criminal charges carry serious penalties — a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 documented case results in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Law in Lexington, Virginia — Statutory Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Criminal offenses in Lexington are classified as felonies (Classes 1-6) or misdemeanors (Classes 1-4). A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategy to every defense case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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Insider Procedural Edge — Lexington General District Court
Lexington General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 2 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases here, and first offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in Lexington General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery period — your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Plea negotiation or trial scheduling — misdemeanor trial within 4-8 weeks.
- Felony preliminary hearing in GDC, then transfer to Lexington Circuit Court.
- Jury trial or bench trial in Circuit Court within 3-9 months.
In Lexington, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. The table below outlines the standard classifications and consequences.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny over $1,000 | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
| 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.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Lexington Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. In Lexington specifically, we have 14 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, our founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute — a testament to his deep understanding of Virginia law and his ability to effect real change in the legal field.
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 Lexington, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include:
- Reckless driving — improper control (Va. Code § 46.2-853): Nolle Prosequi (dismissed) in Lexington General District Court.
- Reckless driving — speed 84/65 (Va. Code § 46.2-862): Reduced to 74/65 speed in Lexington General District Court.
- Reckless driving — speed 87/70 (Va. Code § 46.2-862): Amended to improper control/driving in Lexington General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts. Our office is accessible via I-81 and I-64. We serve the Lexington community and surrounding areas.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Lexington? We are here to help.
Neighborhoods served: Lexington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Lexington
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes. 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) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). 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?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~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.
Internal Resources
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.