Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
In Chesapeake, criminal charges like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Chesapeake General District Court.
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia law categorizes crimes by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2-95), is punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Handling a Criminal Case in Chesapeake Court
Your case begins at Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials and appeals are heard at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery: Your attorney will obtain all evidence the Commonwealth plans to use against you.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case may proceed to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court, or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You may appeal a conviction or, for a dismissal or acquittal, petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years* | Up to $2,500* | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for 3rd offense |
*For a Class 5 felony, the jury may recommend a punishment of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine instead of prison. Results may vary.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is common for felonies.
Our Chesapeake Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We focus on the details of Chesapeake court procedures to build strong defenses.
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
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 carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi (dropped charges) 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 a deferred disposition program.
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. A secured bond is typical for felonies, often requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10% of the bond amount. Bond decisions 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 in jail and create a permanent criminal record. Having an attorney protects your rights and can lead to better outcomes.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court (GDC) 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 potential jail time.
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a 100% favorable outcome rate (1 case dismissed or found not guilty).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesapeake courts, including Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. The area is accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168.
We serve clients in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
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
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a nearby locality.
- Chesapeake DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in Chesapeake.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile
- Our Richmond Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.