Chesapeake criminal charges carry serious penalties. A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. Contact an Insider Trading lawyer Chesapeake today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. The Insider Trading lawyer Chesapeake team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
For more information, review the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesapeake General District Court website.
- Arraignment: Appear before the judge at Chesapeake General District Court, 307 Albemarle Drive. Enter your plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence against you.
- Motions: File pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties within statutory ranges.
- Appeal: You have 10 days to appeal a GDC conviction to Chesapeake Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team includes Kristen Fisher, former MD Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of experience. Together, they provide strong criminal defense representation in Chesapeake.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. Serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake — 24/7 phone consultations: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. Meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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. Cases are heard at Chesapeake General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. 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.
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%, is typical for felonies.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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