Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Hanover County criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code Title 18.2) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Hanover County with 1 dismissed/not guilty outcome. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense at Hanover County General District Court.
Virginia criminal law defines offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Class 1 misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of 12 months incarceration and $2,500 fines, while Class 5 felonies can result in 1-10 years imprisonment. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes these cases at the Hanover County General District Court located at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Reference official sources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Hanover County General District Court website for current procedures.
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover County Circuit Court manages felony jury trials and GDC appeals. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest: Magistrate sets bond at Hanover County Jail.
- Arraignment: Enter plea at Hanover County General District Court.
- Discovery: Review evidence from Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial motions: File suppression or dismissal motions.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing or appeal: Follow Virginia guidelines or appeal to Circuit Court.
In Hanover County, criminal offenses carry penalties from 6 months to 10 years incarceration depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 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 fine |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
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 firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our Hanover County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement experience.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate for this locality).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Hanover County courts (7507 Library Drive). Criminal defense lawyer near Hanover County accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 301, and Route 33. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 Hanover County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Hanover County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Hanover County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover 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 Hanover County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Hanover County?
Hanover County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Hanover 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. Hanover County General District Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069) is the GDC location.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. Related services in Hanover County include DUI/DWI defense and family law representation. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background.
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.