Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Criminal Defense Statutes in Chesapeake
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Chesapeake include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases at Chesapeake General District Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly criminal statutes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with practical insights from former law enforcement to build strong defenses for Chesapeake residents.
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court official website (vacourts.gov).
Chesapeake Criminal Court Procedures
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court: Appear at 307 Albemarle Drive to enter a plea and request counsel.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence with your attorney and file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings are in GDC with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months and $1,000; felonies from 1-10 years incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | 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.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings combined legal experience of over 120 years to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards.
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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Our attorneys work to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, and alternative dispositions through careful case analysis and strategic negotiation.
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts, accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We provide criminal defense representation throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations—meetings by appointment only at our Richmond location.
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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, consider our DUI defense or family law services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.