In Chesapeake, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with 1 dismissed/not guilty. An Arson Lawyer Chesapeake can help you build a strong defense against fire-related charges.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth prosecutes crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An arson charge defense lawyer Chesapeake understands these statutory definitions and how they apply to your case. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly. Chesapeake General District Court — Official court website.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence against you.
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial before a judge or jury in General District Court.
- Appeal to Chesapeake Circuit Court if the outcome is unfavorable.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). Accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake — serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: 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).
Q: Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. 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.
Q: 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.
Q: Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. 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.
Q: 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.
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Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.