In Chesapeake, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. An Arson Lawyer Chesapeake provides strong defense against fire-related charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases at Chesapeake General District Court, 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads the firm’s criminal defense practice.
For the official statute governing criminal offenses in Virginia, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and rules, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
In Chesapeake General District Court, prosecutors routinely offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges. This program is often available for first-time drug possession, petit larceny, and assault cases.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- First court date at Chesapeake General District Court for arraignment.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge in General District Court or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal to Chesapeake Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result: 1 dismissed or not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake? We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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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).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
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.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For nearby localities, visit our Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer pages. For related practice areas in Chesapeake, see our Chesapeake DUI Lawyer and Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.