In Hanover 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 1 documented result in Hanover County: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A Securities Fraud lawyer Hanover County can provide critical guidance for complex financial cases.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Hanover County
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County prosecutes all criminal cases in the Fifteenth Judicial District.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Court Resources
For official information on court procedures and rules, visit the Hanover County General District Court website. The state’s criminal code is available at the Virginia General Assembly legislative information system.
Local Court Process in Hanover County
Hanover County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 7507 Library Drive, Suite 201, Hanover, VA 23069. Cases are typically scheduled within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanor trials.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment at Hanover County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Pre-trial conference with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
- Sentencing if convicted, or expungement petition under § 19.2-392.2 if dismissed.
In Hanover County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to significant jail time depending on the classification.
| 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 |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Hanover County Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. For Hanover County clients, this depth of experience means your case receives attention from attorneys who understand local court procedures and have a track record of results.
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
Hanover County Case Results
In Hanover County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result: 1 dismissed/not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Hanover County Legal Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Hanover County courts, located at 7507 Library Drive. The office is accessible via I-95, I-295, Route 1, and Route 301.
If you are searching for a Securities Fraud lawyer Hanover County or need an investment fraud defense lawyer Hanover County, our team can help. We also serve as an SEC violation lawyer Hanover County for federal securities matters.
We serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Hanover County
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 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 Hanover County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Hanover 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 Hanover County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
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 approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Hanover County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Hanover County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Hanover County 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 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.
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- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
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- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.