Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Chesapeake General District Court.
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake prosecutors file charges based on Virginia’s criminal code. Common offenses 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). These cases are heard at Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. The firm was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case starts with an arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
- Attend your arraignment to enter a plea.
- Request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- File pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial if no acceptable plea is offered.
- Appeal to Chesapeake Circuit Court if convicted.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have documented 1 criminal case result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper.
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 Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal case result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. Contact a Chesapeake criminal defense lawyer near you.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
More Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Chesapeake, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.