Where Chesterfield criminal cases are heard
Most adult criminal cases in the county begin in Chesterfield General District Court, 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. That court tries misdemeanors and holds preliminary hearings in felony cases. Felonies that go forward are tried in Chesterfield Circuit Court, where you have the right to a jury.
Charges against juveniles, and charges between family or household members, are heard in Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, 7000 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
Misdemeanors and felonies in Virginia
Virginia divides crimes into classes, and the class sets the maximum punishment.
- Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. This is the most serious misdemeanor class and includes charges such as DUI and many assault and larceny offenses.
- Class 2 to 4 misdemeanors: lower maximums, down to a fine only for Class 4.
- Felonies, Class 1 to 6: punishable by a year or more in prison. A felony conviction also affects the right to vote, to possess firearms and to hold certain jobs and licenses.
Even a misdemeanor conviction is a permanent criminal record in most cases, which is why a charge that looks minor deserves a real defense.
How a case moves through the court
- Arrest or summons, then bond. A magistrate decides whether you are released and on what conditions. If bond is denied, your lawyer can ask a judge to set it.
- Arraignment. The court tells you the charge and asks whether you have a lawyer.
- Investigation and negotiation. Your lawyer reviews the evidence, including police reports, video and lab results where available, looks for legal problems with the stop, search or statements, and talks with the Commonwealth's Attorney.
- Trial or preliminary hearing. Misdemeanors are tried by a judge in General District Court. For a felony, the judge decides whether there is enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury and on to Circuit Court.
- Appeal. A misdemeanor conviction in General District Court can be appealed to Circuit Court within 10 days for a completely new trial.
If the police want to talk to you
You have a constitutional right to remain silent and a right to a lawyer. You can be polite and still decline to answer questions until you have spoken with an attorney. Statements made to explain things are often the strongest evidence in the Commonwealth's case.
What to bring to your consultation
Bring every document you were given: warrants, summonses or tickets, bond paperwork, and any letters from the court or from law enforcement. Write down your court date and the names of any witnesses while the details are fresh.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and leaves a permanent record if you are convicted. Speaking with a lawyer before your court date lets you understand the possible outcomes before you decide how to plead.
How are fees set in a criminal case?
Criminal cases are generally handled for a flat fee set after the consultation and based on the charge and the court. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases.
Can I appeal if I am convicted in General District Court?
Yes. You have 10 days from the conviction to note an appeal to Circuit Court, where the case is tried again from the beginning.
This page is general information about Virginia law, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome.