In Virginia Beach, manslaughter charges under Va. Code § 18.2-33 carry up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. A Manslaughter Lawyer Virginia Beach from our firm can build your defense. Contact us 24/7.
Virginia Manslaughter Laws and Penalties
Virginia law defines involuntary manslaughter under Va. Code § 18.2-33 as the accidental killing of another person during the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or during the commission of a lawful act performed in an unlawful manner. This charge is a Class 5 felony, carrying 1 to 10 years in prison. The prosecution must prove criminal negligence — a higher standard than ordinary negligence. An involuntary manslaughter defense lawyer Virginia Beach understands these legal distinctions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-33 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 18.2-33 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Manslaughter Cases in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony manslaughter cases. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases aggressively. Cases bound over to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Arrest and initial appearance before magistrate at Virginia Beach jail.
- Bond hearing in General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
- Preliminary hearing within 21-60 days to determine probable cause.
- Indictment by grand jury if bound over to Circuit Court.
- Arraignment and discovery in Circuit Court within 3-9 months.
- Trial or plea negotiation before Circuit Court judge or jury.
In Virginia Beach, manslaughter carries a Class 5 felony classification with 1-10 years incarceration and up to $2,500 in fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Involuntary Manslaughter (§ 18.2-33) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Permanent criminal record, loss of gun rights |
| Negligent Homicide (§ 46.2-853) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension mandatory | Vehicle forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Manslaughter Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its case. A negligent homicide lawyer Virginia Beach from our team can provide the defense you need.
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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Legal Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. A Manslaughter Lawyer Virginia Beach is available 24/7.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manslaughter in Virginia Beach
What is the difference between manslaughter and murder in Virginia?
Yes. Murder requires malice aforethought — intent to kill or cause serious harm. Manslaughter is an unlawful killing without malice. Involuntary manslaughter involves criminal negligence or accidental death during an unlawful act. Va. Code § 18.2-33 covers involuntary manslaughter.
Can a manslaughter charge be reduced in Virginia Beach?
It depends. A skilled Manslaughter Lawyer Virginia Beach may negotiate a reduction to reckless driving or other lesser charge if evidence shows lack of criminal negligence. Early intervention and motion practice can create use for reduction.
What is the penalty for negligent homicide in Virginia?
Negligent homicide under Va. Code § 46.2-853 is a Class 5 felony carrying 1-10 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines. It applies specifically to deaths caused by negligent operation of a motor vehicle. License suspension is mandatory.
How long does a manslaughter case take in Virginia Beach?
A typical manslaughter case takes 6-18 months from arrest to resolution. The preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days. If bound over to Circuit Court, trial may occur within 3-9 months. Complex cases can take longer.
Do I need a lawyer for a manslaughter charge in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Manslaughter is a Class 5 felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases aggressively. An experienced Manslaughter Lawyer Virginia Beach can protect your rights and build a defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.