Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — 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 trooper attorneys understand the Virginia Beach General District Court system. Contact us 24/7 at (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 statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny. The law also establishes sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 and expungement procedures for certain case outcomes under § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience to handle your Virginia Beach case.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For information about the Virginia Beach court handling your case, see the Virginia Beach General District Court official website.
Virginia Beach Court Process for Criminal Cases
Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials proceed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The court determines if there is probable cause to send a felony case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony), or a plea agreement is reached.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC decision to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. For felonies, a secured bond through a bail bondsman (charging ~10%) is typical. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony, based on income eligibility.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique perspective to Virginia Beach criminal defense. Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, our firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. This insider knowledge of police and prosecution tactics is applied to defend your rights in Virginia Beach General District Court and Circuit Court.
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 Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach. Our attorneys work to achieve favorable outcomes, which may include dismissals, charge reductions, or acquittals.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We represent individuals throughout the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities. Our attorneys are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license.
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 a deferred disposition program.
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 (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the 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 and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court (GDC) 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.
More Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach DUI lawyer or Virginia Beach family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.