Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This statute defines offenses from assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). The classification system determines penalties: Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors, and Class 5 and 6 felonies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense grounded in this statutory framework.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures and locations, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process: What to Expect
Your case begins at Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, hear the formal charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: If incarcerated, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files pre-trial motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC, a jury trial in Circuit Court, or is resolved through a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines and statutory limits.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court. If charges are dismissed, you may petition for expungement under § 19.2-392.2.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties are set by statute. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Civil demand for restitution |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years* | N/A | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
*Or in discretion of jury, confinement in jail up to 12 months and/or fine up to $2,500. Results may vary.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. For many first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. For felonies, secured bond is typical, requiring a bail bondsman (approx. 10% fee). Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony), based on income eligibility.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Authority
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 case. Our Virginia Beach defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who spent 15 years in law enforcement, and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher. This prosecutorial and investigative insight is applied to construct strong defenses for clients at Virginia Beach General District Court.
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
Documented Case Results in Virginia Beach
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. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. We provide criminal defense representation to Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
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 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 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 deferred disposition.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach 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 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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Virginia Beach, consider our Virginia Beach DUI lawyer or Virginia Beach family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.