Chesapeake criminal charges carry serious penalties — a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11(a) can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A Murder Defense Lawyer Chesapeake provides the strong defense you need.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who brings firsthand knowledge of how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This background allows the firm to anticipate prosecution strategy and build effective counter-arguments. Combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years across the firm.
For the official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a magistrate who sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake.
- Arraignment: At Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive), you enter a plea. The court sets a trial date within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any body camera footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings happen in GDC before transfer to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Post-Trial Options: If convicted, you may appeal to Chesapeake Circuit Court for a new trial. Expungement under § 19.2-392.2 is available for acquittals and dismissals.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | 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, insurance rate increase |
| Disorderly Conduct (§ 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has combined attorney experience of over 120 years and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. The firm’s favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia family law — a rare achievement that demonstrates deep legal experience.
Kristen M. Fisher serves as Of Counsel. She is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who joined the firm in 2010. Her prosecutorial background provides significant insight into case construction and courtroom dynamics. She represents clients in both Virginia and Maryland state courts.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result: 1 dismissed/not guilty — a 100% favorable outcome rate in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, and I-664. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Find a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake or near Greenbrier. Our Richmond location is accessible from the Chesapeake area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. Meetings by appointment only.
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 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 Chesapeake General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
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 approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake 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 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.