Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Beach criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means 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. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This section defines offenses from assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to theft and drug crimes, establishing classifications and penalties.
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 background provides direct insight into case construction.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see the Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court procedures and forms, visit the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Virginia Beach Court Process
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will discuss possible resolutions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings are also held there.
- Appeal or Circuit Court Trial: You can appeal a GDC conviction or have a felony jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to over 10 years in prison, depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent 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 | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond via a bondsman (approx. 10% fee) is typical for felonies.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results 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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach. This includes dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Virginia Beach Defense
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. 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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and petit larceny.
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.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond via a bail bondsman 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. Charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney at Virginia Beach General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Contact us 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 a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Related Legal Help
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby areas: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer.
In Virginia Beach, we handle related matters: Virginia Beach DUI/DWI lawyer and Virginia Beach family law lawyer.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Visit our Richmond location page for details.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.