Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth classifies offenses as misdemeanors (Class 1-4) or felonies (Class 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors, including assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carry maximum penalties of 12 months incarceration and $2,500 fines. Class 5 felonies, such as grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95, carry 1-10 year prison terms or up to 12 months plus $2,500 at jury discretion.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) from the Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures and locations, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Procedures
Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court manages felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Virginia Beach General District Court: Appear at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. Enter a plea and request counsel if needed.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review evidence with your attorney. File motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal GDC convictions to Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors mean up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; Class 5 felonies bring 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results in your case.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique qualifications to Virginia Beach criminal cases. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. This background provides insight into police procedures and prosecution strategies. Founded in 1997, our firm has handled 4,739+ cases across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys have achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic charges.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results in your case.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we represent clients throughout 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.
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 about criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases.
Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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.