Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a strategic defense at Virginia Beach General District Court. 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. In Virginia Beach, charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and adjudicated at the Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory framework to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process and Defense Strategy
Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Virginia Beach Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You formally hear charges and enter a plea at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Negotiation: Misdemeanor bench trials occur in GDC. Plea negotiations may involve first offender programs.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a new trial.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties are set by Virginia Code and range from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail.
| 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 typically | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6/5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Virginia Beach Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into both sides of a case. We focus on strategic defense in Virginia Beach courts.
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
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 in this locality. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts handled at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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 Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and reckless driving charges. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
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.