Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with 100% favorable outcome. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive). Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Chesapeake include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57, Class 1 misdemeanor), petit larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96, Class 1 misdemeanor), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301, Class 1 misdemeanor). Felony charges like grand larceny ($1,000+ threshold) and malicious wounding carry more severe penalties.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Chesapeake General District Court website — Virginia court system .gov domain
Chesapeake Criminal Court Procedure
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court: Enter plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Request court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, negotiate with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court, or accept negotiated plea.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal to Chesapeake Circuit Court if applicable.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Experience
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 Chesapeake criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement insight.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed/not guilty — a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Location
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%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
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.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesapeake DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block profile — former Virginia State Trooper
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.