Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
You face charges at Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes all cases, from assault and battery to theft and drug offenses.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-57 for assault and battery (Class 1 misdemeanor), § 18.2-96 for petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor for theft under $1,000), and § 46.2-301 for driving on a suspended license. Felony charges, such as grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95), begin in General District Court for a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). The Virginia Beach General District Court website (vacourts.gov) provides court forms, local rules, and contact information.
Virginia Beach Court Process
Your case will start at Virginia Beach General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. For felonies, after a finding of probable cause in GDC, your case transfers to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea at Virginia Beach GDC. A not guilty plea sets the case for trial.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and can file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Negotiation: A bench trial occurs in GDC, or your attorney negotiates a plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia guidelines.
- Appeal: You have an absolute right to appeal a GDC conviction to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies, with specific consequences defined by the Virginia Code.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight to building your defense.
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 local matters. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Virginia Beach General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Virginia Beach Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-264 and I-64. As a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana, we represent clients throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are 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. 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). 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. Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.