Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes definitions for crimes like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and drug possession. The law sets classification levels that determine potential penalties.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court procedures and information in Virginia Beach, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Virginia Beach Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins at Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes all cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal for eligible charges.
- Arraignment: You appear in Virginia Beach General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney obtains police reports and evidence from the prosecutor to build your defense.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if rights were violated.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal, or prepares for a bench trial in GDC.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your lawyer argues for minimal penalties. You can appeal to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies, as defined by Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| First Offense Marijuana Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Possible first offender dismissal |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | 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 License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time common for repeat offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the facts of your case.
Firm Credentials in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who understands police investigation tactics. We focus on case-specific defense strategies.
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 Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach. Our favorable outcome rate is 100% for these matters. We have achieved dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Virginia Beach Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate). Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach 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. Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby area, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer pages. In Virginia Beach, we also assist with DUI/DWI defense 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.