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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for charges heard at Chesapeake General District Court.
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia law defines criminal offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies are classified from Class 1 (most severe) to Class 6, with Class 5 felonies punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. The Chesapeake General District Court website provides local court procedures, forms, and contact information.
Chesapeake Court Process for Criminal Cases
Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate.
- First appearance/arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court.
- For misdemeanors: trial in GDC within 4-8 weeks.
- For felonies: preliminary hearing in GDC within 21-60 days.
- If bound over: felony jury trial in Chesapeake Circuit Court within 3-9 months.
- Sentencing or explore expungement if case is dismissed.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement experience and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher. We combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Chesapeake court procedures.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 (307 Albemarle Drive). 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.
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%).
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background.
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.