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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia law defines criminal offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for charges filed within the city. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information, including forms and procedures for Chesapeake, is available at the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case will begin at Chesapeake General District Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive. The court handles arraignments, bond hearings, and misdemeanor trials. For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held in GDC to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings in GDC determine if the case proceeds to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC decision to Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the offense classification under Virginia law.
| 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in Chesapeake Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have a documented result in Chesapeake: 1 criminal case dismissed or found not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for that locality.
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
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake, Virginia: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our documented cases in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. As a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake, we represent clients throughout the Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier areas.
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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 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 Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. In Chesapeake, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.