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In Gloucester County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 documented case results in Gloucester County. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 phone consultations.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Gloucester County
Under Virginia law, criminal offenses are classified by severity. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies carry more severe penalties, including state prison time. The specific statute governing your charge determines the potential consequences. For example, assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Gloucester County General District Court — Official Court Website
Local Court Process in Gloucester County
In Gloucester County General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle a high volume of cases. Your first court date is typically an arraignment. The court is located at 7400 Justice Drive, Room 102.
- Arrest or Summons: You are charged and given a court date.
- First Appearance: You appear before the Gloucester County General District Court for arraignment.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the evidence against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case is resolved by trial or negotiated plea.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes a sentence.
In Gloucester County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to state prison. The table below outlines potential consequences for common offenses.
| 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 (§ 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 | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper.
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
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and former prosecutor, who leads complex criminal defense matters.
Case Results in Gloucester County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 9 total documented case results across all practice areas in Gloucester County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Distance: Our Richmond location serves clients at Gloucester County courts (7400 Justice Drive), accessible via Route 17, Route 14, and Route 3.
Near Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Gloucester County.
Neighborhoods Served: Gloucester, Gloucester Point.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Gloucester County
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-offender 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.