Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This section defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more). Sentencing guidelines are found in § 19.2-295.1, and expungement procedures for dismissals or acquittals are governed by § 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 combines over 120 years of legal experience to handle the details of your Virginia Beach case.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Title 18.2). Information about the Virginia Beach General District Court, including location and hours, is available on the Virginia Judiciary website.
Virginia Beach Court Process
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Virginia Beach cases are held at the Virginia Beach General District Court on Nimmo Parkway. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate at the Virginia Beach jail sets a bond. Personal recognizance release is common for first-time misdemeanor arrests.
- Arraignment: Your first court date at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway) to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial: Your attorney reviews discovery (police reports, evidence) and may file motions to challenge the evidence against you.
- Resolution: Your case may be resolved through a plea agreement, participation in a first-offender program, or a bench trial before a judge.
- Appeal: If convicted in General District Court, you have an absolute right to appeal to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; theft record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; prison time |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of attorney experience to every case. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Virginia Beach criminal defense team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing direct insight into local enforcement and prosecution strategies.
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 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 facing charges at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44. As 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
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you are facing other charges in Virginia Beach, consider our pages on DUI defense or reckless driving. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.