Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties, including up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our former prosecutor and former state troofer attorneys understand the Virginia Beach General District Court process. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a case review by appointment.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Criminal offenses in Virginia Beach are defined by the Virginia Code, primarily Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Felonies are classified from Class 1 through Class 6, with Class 5 felonies carrying 1 to 10 years imprisonment. The law is applied in Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and Virginia Beach Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures, forms, and contact information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case will begin at the Virginia Beach General District Court located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. For any offense carrying potential jail time, you have an absolute right to a jury trial, which would be held in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review the evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): A judge determines if there is probable cause to send a felony case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case may proceed to a bench trial in GDC, a jury trial in Circuit Court, or be resolved by a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to over 10 years in prison for serious felonies. Common charges include assault, theft, and drug possession.
| 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 | Criminal record; restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or higher) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record; restitution |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and court discretion.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of results in Virginia Beach courts. Our approach is case-specific, built on a deep understanding of local procedures and prosecutor 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 attorneys work to achieve dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We provide representation for individuals in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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 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?
Yes. 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 SRIS 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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Virginia Beach, consider our DUI defense or family law services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.