Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide full representation at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Key sections include § 18.2-57 (assault and battery), § 18.2-96 (petit larceny), and § 46.2-301 (driving on suspended). Virginia Beach prosecutors follow these statutes in all cases at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience handling criminal cases across Virginia.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Virginia Beach Court Procedures
Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge at Virginia Beach General District Court, hear formal charges, and enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. You can request a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings combined attorney experience of 120+ years to Virginia Beach criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes former prosecutor Kristen Fisher and former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block.
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 outcomes do not aim for future results.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, Route 44, Route 58, and Route 13. As a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we serve 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), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
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. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
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. 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 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. Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) is the GDC location.
Related Virginia Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — primary attorney
- Richmond Office Location — serving Virginia Beach
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.