Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach 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 8 documented results in Virginia Beach. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Virginia law.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Key sections include § 18.2-57 (assault and battery, Class 1 misdemeanor), § 18.2-96 (petit larceny under $1,000, Class 1 misdemeanor), and § 46.2-301 (driving on suspended license, Class 1 misdemeanor). Felony theft begins at $1,000 (grand larceny, Va. Code § 18.2-95). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these charges in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, see the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process for Criminal Cases
Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate at the Virginia Beach jail sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Virginia Beach GDC, plead not guilty, and get a trial date.
- Discovery: Your attorney obtains evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials are in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports Circuit Court transfer.
- Outcome: Acquittal, dismissal, plea, or conviction. You can appeal to Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
- Expungement: If eligible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, file a petition in Circuit Court to seal the record.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 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+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes former prosecutor Kristen Fisher and former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provide insight into police procedures and prosecution strategies. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Virginia Beach Criminal Case Results
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Virginia Beach General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-64 and I-264. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 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 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 Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer | 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.