Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach 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 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys understand the Virginia Beach General District Court process.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. It defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases at the Virginia Beach General District Court located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Virginia Beach General District Court official website.
Virginia Beach Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at Virginia Beach General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials move to Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You appear in Virginia Beach GDC, are formally advised of charges, and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to challenge evidence.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials are held in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if there’s probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Disposition: Case resolves via dismissal, plea agreement, or trial verdict.
- Appeal or Expungement: You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court. If charges are dismissed, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies, with specific classifications set by Virginia law.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Authority in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every Virginia Beach case. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of both prosecution tactics and defense strategy.
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 Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our attorneys have successfully handled charges ranging from misdemeanor assaults to felony theft.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are 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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
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 a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges about 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. An attorney protects your rights and builds a defense. Contact us 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 potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.