Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
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 Virginia State Trooper provide a strong defense at Virginia Beach General District Court.
In Virginia Beach, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes definitions and penalties for offenses ranging from assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to theft (§ 18.2-95) and drug possession. The sentencing framework is established under § 19.2-295.1, and expungement procedures are governed by § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and information, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes cases.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Virginia Beach GDC, are formally charged, and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials are in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. GDC decisions can be appealed to Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment barriers |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6/5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Deferred disposition possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
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 for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Town Center.
We serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana communities.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.