Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Our Richmond location serves Chesapeake clients facing assault, theft, drug, and DUI charges at Chesapeake General District Court.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Statutes
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 under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Official Legal Resources
Chesapeake Court Procedures
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The court at 307 Albemarle Drive serves Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court: Appear at 307 Albemarle Drive to enter a plea. The court will schedule trial dates and address any pretrial motions.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For dismissals or acquittals, file an expungement petition in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment impact |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
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 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). These results reflect our work at Chesapeake General District Court and Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier 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 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.
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.
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
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.