In Colonial Heights, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in Colonial Heights with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Colonial Heights can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This statute defines offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 6 felonies carry 1-5 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Colonial Heights prosecutes these cases at the Colonial Heights General District Court located at 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Colonial Heights understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
For more information, review the official Virginia statutes at Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases here. 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. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Colonial Heights can guide you through these options.
- Arraignment: Appear before the judge to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation: Discuss potential plea agreements or first offender programs.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to trial or accept a negotiated resolution.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties within statutory guidelines.
In Colonial Heights, criminal penalties range from fines to incarceration depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Colonial Heights from our team brings this depth of experience to your case.
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
In Colonial Heights, SRIS, P.C. has 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include reduced charges, dismissals, and acquittals. A Theft of Government Property lawyer Colonial Heights can review your case and discuss potential outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard). We are accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36.
Near me: Criminal defense lawyer near Colonial Heights, near Southpark Mall.
Communities served: Colonial Heights.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
Address: 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225. By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
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. 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 Colonial Heights General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Colonial Heights. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Colonial Heights General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Colonial Heights are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights?
Colonial Heights General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Colonial Heights 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 pages:
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer (hub page)
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer (nearby locality)
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer (nearby locality)
- Colonial Heights DUI Lawyer (related practice area)
- Colonial Heights Family Law Lawyer (related practice area)
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: 2026-02-15. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.