Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys know the Chesapeake General District Court procedures. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense in Chesapeake.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins at Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. This court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Arraignment: You appear in Chesapeake General District Court, enter a plea, and the judge may set a trial date.
- Discovery: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal issues.
- Trial or Resolution: Your case may proceed to a bench trial in GDC, a jury trial in Circuit Court, or be resolved through negotiation.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You may appeal to Circuit Court or petition for expungement if eligible under § 19.2-392.2.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties from up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor to 1-10 years for a Class 5 felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Bond in Chesapeake is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman charging approximately 10%.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have documented 1 criminal defense result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who know Chesapeake court 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 Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
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. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny, and driving on suspended.
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.
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond requires a bail bondsman charging approximately 10% for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. 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 a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
More Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. 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 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.