Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys understand the Virginia Beach General District Court process. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This defines offenses from assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to theft and drug crimes. The Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Virginia Beach General District Court located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see the Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process
Your case starts with an arraignment at Virginia Beach General District Court. You will enter a plea and the judge may set a trial date.
- Attend your arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Your attorney will request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Evaluate defense options: motion to suppress, plea negotiation, or trial.
- If charged with a felony, decide whether to have a preliminary hearing in GDC or waive to Circuit Court.
- Prepare for trial in Virginia Beach General District Court (misdemeanor) or Virginia Beach Circuit Court (felony).
- If convicted, explore sentencing alternatives or appeal rights.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| First Offense Marijuana Possession | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who understands police investigation tactics.
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
Virginia Beach Case Results
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Virginia Beach General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264 and I-64. Our criminal defense lawyers near Virginia Beach Oceanfront provide representation for the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
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 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) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters like DUI defense and reckless driving. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.