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Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer | Proven Results
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Criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultations by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.
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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Virginia Beach criminal charges fall under Va. Code Title 18.2, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying 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. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Criminal offenses are classified by severity: Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), Class 2 misdemeanors (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine), Class 5 felonies (1-10 years), and Class 6 felonies (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled criminal defense cases for over 25 years.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Virginia Beach General District Court website for local court procedures and forms.
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment in Virginia Beach General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- If convicted, sentencing hearing or appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Virginia Beach, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. The table below shows standard penalties under Virginia law.
| 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, possible vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee 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 has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Virginia Beach, we have 8 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his deep understanding of Virginia law.
Also handling your case: Kristen M. Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with experience prosecuting diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of criminal defense experience.
In Virginia Beach, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). The court is accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve Virginia Beach, 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.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are 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. 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?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 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. 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. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.