FAQs

Dealing with the criminal justice system can sometimes be confusing. We hope the following helps answer your questions. We can't give legal advice, of course, but if you still have questions, feel free to call us at (804) 501-4218.

Reporting a Crime

• How do I report a crime?
• Can I report a crime over the Internet?

Domestic Problems

• What number do I call to report a case to Child Protective Services?
• What should I do if I suspect a possible missing child or exploitation in my neighborhood?
• What should I do if I suspect a person on an Internet Chat Room is attempting to entice a child away from their home?
• How do I get a Protection Order to keep my partner from harming me or my children?

Going to Trial

• What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
• What is the penalty for a misdemeanor?
• What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny?
• What are the different grades of homicide in Virginia?
• How often does the regular Grand Jury meet in Henrico County?
• What is the Multijurisdictional Grand Jury?
• Which criminal cases are heard in Juvenile Court?
• How can I contact the prosecutor assigned to my case?
• How can I get restitution for my loss?
• Do I have to testify at a trial if I don't want to?
• What happens at an arraignment?
• How can I get an attorney if I can't afford to hire one?
• What if I can't pay all of my fine at once?

 

Q. How do I report a crime?

If you believe a crime has been committed, you should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

For an emergency anywhere in the county, call 911.

If you have information concerning a crime and wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers (804) 780-1000.

Q. Can I report a crime over the Internet?

Yes and no! You may report any criminal activity by e-mail to police@co.henrico.va.us . If remaining anonymous is a concern you are encouraged to call:

Crime Stoppers at (804)780-1000.

There is no Caller-ID or any other tracing equipment on this phone. You cannot make an "official" report of a crime through the Internet; however, if you have experienced a less serious crime like vandalism and larceny, and you do not want to see a police officer, you can call the Telephone Reporting Unit at (804) 501-4810.

 

Q. What number do I call to report a case to Child Protective Services?

Human Services at (804) 501-5437.

Q. What should I do if I suspect a possible missing child or exploitation in my neighborhood?

Do not confront the people yourself. Contact the Missing Children Clearinghouse by telephone or E-mail and write down as much information as possible relating to the family’s name, the names of the children, the length of time the family has been living in the neighborhood. Make sure you write down their license plate number and the registration of the state.

Please e-mail your information, concerns and questions to: rkemmler@vsp.state.va.us.

Virginia State Police

Virginia State Clearinghouse
on Missing Children
Telephone:(804) 674-2000
Toll Free: 1-800-822-4453
After Hours: (804) 674-2026

 

Q. What should I do if I suspect a person on an Internet Chat Room is attempting to entice a child away from their home?

• Obtain as much information as possible on the person who is attempting to entice the child, including the person’s E-mail address.
• Obtain any information on meeting places.
• Document the time of day and in which chat room the conversation was occurring.
• If possible, determine which Internet provider controls the chat room.
• Please e-mail your information, concerns and questions to: rkemmler@vsp.state.va.us.

Q. How do I get a Protection Order to keep my partner from harming me or my children?

You must contact an Intake Officer in person to obtain a protective order. The Intake Office is located at the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Building, 4201 East Parham Road. The Intake Officer can assist you in filling out a petition form and arranging for you to appear before a judge. (Only the judge may issue the order of protection.) This may take several hours or an entire day. It is best to go to the Intake Office when it opens at 8:00 a.m., but you must see an Intake Officer by 11:30 a.m., so that the protective order will be put on the court docket by 1:00 p.m. that day. You must have an address of the person you are filing against. Please note: It doesn't have to be a home address, it may be a work location. If you have any questions, you can contact the Intake Office at 804 501-4693. In case you need additional information concerning protective orders, you can contact the Victim Witness Office at 804 501-1680. If you have an emergency, dial 911.

If a warrant is issued for assault and battery against a family or household member and the magistrate finds there is probable danger of further acts of family abuse by the defendant, the magistrate is directed to issue an emergency protective order.

 

Q. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by a fine and no more than 12 months in jail. A felony is a crime that carries a potential prison sentence in the state Department of Corrections for one year or more.

 

Q. What is the penalty for a misdemeanor?

• Class 1 misdemeanor: Confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.
• Class 2 misdemeanor: Confinement in jail for not more than 6 months and a fine of not more than $1,000, either or both.
• Class 3 misdemeanor: A fine of not more than $500.
• Class 4 misdemeanor: A fine of not more than $250.

 

Q.What is the difference between grand larceny and petit larceny?

Larceny means stealing. Grand larceny is a felony and petit larceny is a misdemeanor. In Virginia, if the value of the item stolen is $200.00 or more, the offense is grand larceny. If the value of the item stolen is less than $200.00 the offense is petit larceny. Grand larceny is punishable by 1-20 years in prison, or, up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2500.00. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2500.00.

 

Q.What are the different grades of homicide in Virginia?

• Capital murder
• First degree murder
• Second degree murder
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Involuntary manslaughter

 

Q. How often does the regular Grand Jury meet in Henrico County?

The regular Grand Jury meets once every two months, beginning in January, usually on the second Monday of the month.

 

Q. What is the Multijurisdictional Grand Jury?

The Multijurisdictional Grand Jury is an investigative Grand Jury with powers to subpeona witnesses and other evidence to investigate crimes. Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney, Wade Kizer, has entered into agreements with Commonwealth Attorneys in Chesterfield, Hanover and Richmond to form Multijurisdictional Grand Juries to help solve crimes. Witnesses who appear before the MJGJ are placed under oath and questioned about crimes.

 

Q. Which criminal cases are heard in Juvenile Court?

The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court has jurisdiction to hear cases involving crimes alleged to have been committed by juveniles as well as some cases in which a juvenile is the victim of a crime. Additionally, the Juvenile Court hears some cases in which one family member is alleged to have committed a crime against another family member. In some instances, the Juvenile Court can transfer juveniles to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court in order that the juvenile can be tried as an adult for criminal offenses.

 

Q. How can I contact the prosecutor assigned to my case?

You can call 501-4218. You will need to know the defendant's name, and, if possible, the date of the next hearing. The prosecutors are often in court all day, so please be prepared to leave a message with a phone number where you can be called both before and after 5 p.m. Please note: If you are charged with an offense a prosecutor will not speak with you. Have your attorney contact the prosecutor.

 

Q. How can I get restitution for my loss?

If you have suffered a monetary loss, such as damage to your home or medical bills, because of a crime committed against you, the judge may order restitution in the amount of your loss if the defendant was found guilty. If the defendant does not pay the amount, notify the judge or the prosecutor.

 

Q. Do I have to testify at a trial if I don't want to?

If you are the defendant, you have a right to remain silent, and the judge and jury are not allowed to hold your silence against you. If you are a witness or victim, however, you must testify. If you have concerns about testifying, talk to the prosecutor in the case.

 

Q. What happens at an arraignment?

This is the first appearance a defendant makes in court. The judge will tell the defendant what the charge is, whether the charge carries the possibility of a jail sentence, and the judge will also set a date for the case to be heard.

 

Q. How can I get an attorney if I can't afford to hire one?

At arraignment the judge will determine whether your income makes you eligible for a court-appointed attorney.

 

Q. What if I can't pay all of my fine at once?

The judge may allow you to set up a time payment program, based on your income.