Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with 100% favorable outcome. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense at Chesapeake General District Court. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), Class 2 misdemeanors (6 months, $1,000), and felonies (1-10+ years). Chesapeake cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Chesapeake court information: Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court follows Virginia speedy trial rules: 5 months for misdemeanors from arrest, 9 months for felonies if incarcerated.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment in General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive).
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in General District Court or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Appeal to Circuit Court: If convicted in GDC, you have 10 days to appeal for a new jury trial in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. Criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake City Hall and Greenbrier area.
We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier 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 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.
Virginia criminal defense resources: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Nearby criminal defense lawyers: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer, Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. Related legal services in Chesapeake: Chesapeake DUI/DWI lawyer, Chesapeake family law lawyer. Attorney profile: Bryan Block profile.
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.