Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake: Virginia Law
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault (§ 18.2-57), carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1-10 years imprisonment. Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process for Criminal Cases
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond within 24 hours of arrest at the Chesapeake jail.
- Arraignment: Enter plea at Chesapeake General District Court within 21 days for misdemeanors.
- Discovery review: Obtain police reports, witness statements, and evidence from Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors; plea negotiations may reduce charges.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation; appeal felonies to Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| 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, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
| Drug Possession Schedule I/II (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Substance abuse assessment, treatment |
Results may vary. Penalties depend on criminal history, evidence, and case specifics.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Chesapeake criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement experience and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) is the GDC location.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. These results demonstrate our effective defense strategies in Chesapeake General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive) via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 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
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Chesapeake, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background.
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.