Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide case-specific defense strategies for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases heard at Chesapeake General District Court.
In Chesapeake, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time, and expungement is available for acquittals or dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Criminal Defense Statutes in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Chesapeake include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases at the Chesapeake General District Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Chesapeake General District Court website — court information and procedures
Chesapeake Court Procedures for Criminal Cases
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC decisions. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants—successful completion results in dismissal.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule future hearings.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports sending the case to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) 1-5 years (Class 6) |
Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Chesapeake Criminal Defense
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 criminal defense cases in Chesapeake. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of police procedures and prosecution strategies.
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
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.
Case Results in Chesapeake
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area. 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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Chesapeake DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — primary attorney
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.