Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes definitions for offenses like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and drug possession. The law also establishes sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 and expungement procedures under § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- Virginia Beach General District Court website — official .gov court information.
Virginia Beach Court Process and Local Insight
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Virginia Beach jail or courthouse. Request personal recognizance bond if eligible.
- Arraignment at Virginia Beach GDC: Enter a plea of not guilty at your first court date at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. This preserves your right to a trial.
- Review Discovery and File Motions: Obtain police reports and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File suppression motions if evidence was illegally obtained.
- Negotiate or Prepare for Trial: Discuss potential plea agreements with the prosecutor. If no agreement is reached, prepare for a bench trial in GDC or demand a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to over 10 years in prison, depending on the classification.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on case details.
Firm Credentials and Local Recognition
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. This direct involvement in shaping state law provides a deep understanding of legal strategy.
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
Documented 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 matters. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-64 and Route 44. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Naval Air Station Oceana.
We serve the Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana 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 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 Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page.
Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality pages.
Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer | Virginia Beach Family Law Lawyer — Related practice areas in Virginia Beach.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.