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 process. 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 sets classifications, penalties, and procedures for all criminal cases in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court-specific information, see the Virginia Beach General District Court official website.
Virginia Beach Court Process
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes cases.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): A judge determines if there is probable cause to send a felony case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony), or a plea agreement is reached.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison. A Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, increased insurance |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with intimate knowledge of police procedures.
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, reductions, and favorable outcomes. Every case is unique.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and petit larceny. 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 is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. The Virginia Beach General District Court process is complex. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
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 a 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 clients in Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.