Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake: Statutory Definitions
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies with specific penalties defined in state law. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, while felonies carry potential prison sentences of one year or more.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in cases involving financial evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Chesapeake cases are available through the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process for Criminal Cases
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court decisions.
- After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Your first court date is arraignment, where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- For misdemeanors, the case proceeds to trial in General District Court before a judge (no jury).
- For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- In Circuit Court, you have an absolute right to a jury trial for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Sentencing follows conviction, with penalties set according to Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years (or up to 12 months plus $2,500 at jury discretion).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery | Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 felony (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Filing fees and bonds: 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).
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with direct insight into case construction and police procedures.
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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). These results demonstrate our approach to criminal defense in Chesapeake courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. As a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake, we provide accessible representation for your case.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby jurisdictions including Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. In Chesapeake, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.