Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes definitions and penalties for offenses like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Sentencing guidelines are in § 19.2-295.1, and expungement rules for acquittals or dismissals are in § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Chesapeake General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Chesapeake Court Process
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court: You appear before a judge, enter a plea, and receive a trial date.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Your case proceeds to trial or reaches a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows. If acquitted, you may petition for expungement.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case details.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into case construction and police procedures.
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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Chesapeake Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and the Greenbrier area.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (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 Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Chesapeake DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — attorney details.
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.