Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Virginia Beach, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand your options.
A False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach provides defense against allegations of fraud against the government.
Virginia Criminal Law: Statutory Framework
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). The Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Sentencing is governed by Va. Code § 19.2-295.1. Expungement for acquittals and dismissals is available under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach understands these statutes intimately.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach General District Court
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes all criminal cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B).
- Discovery phase: your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
- Sentencing or dismissal based on the outcome.
In Virginia Beach, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to significant jail time, depending on the classification.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extension | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Legal Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). Accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for a False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach near the Oceanfront or Town Center? We serve all Virginia Beach neighborhoods including Sandbridge and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Virginia Beach
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000.
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.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
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.
What does a False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach do?
A False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach defends individuals and businesses accused of submitting false claims to the government.
A False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach defends individuals and businesses accused of submitting false claims to the government under the False Claims Act. This includes allegations of Medicare fraud, defense contractor fraud, and other federal program violations. A federal false claims defense lawyer Virginia Beach can help handle these complex cases.
What is the role of a qui tam defense lawyer Virginia Beach?
A qui tam defense lawyer Virginia Beach represents defendants in whistleblower lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act.
A qui tam defense lawyer Virginia Beach represents defendants in whistleblower lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act. These cases involve private individuals (relators) suing on behalf of the government. A False Claims lawyer Virginia Beach with qui tam experience can protect your rights throughout the litigation.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — State hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Virginia Beach Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Our Richmond Office
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.