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spec_version=V13.3 | generated_date=2026-03-20 | locality=Chesapeake (City) | state=VA | practice_area=Criminal | assigned_location=Richmond Location | primary_attorney=Bryan Block | source_row=224 | case_results_source=locality-specific | seasonal_hook=no | aggregate_rating_active=no | word_count=1650 | tier=2 | conflicts_detected=none | checker_status=PASS | blocker_count=0 | warning_count=0
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake criminal charges are prosecuted at Chesapeake General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake with 100% favorable outcome. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand local court procedures. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Charges in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 19.2-295.1. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia Crimes and Offenses statutes (Va. Code Title 18.2) for the full legal text. For court procedures, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Attend your arraignment hearing at Chesapeake General District Court.
- Review discovery with your attorney to identify procedural weaknesses.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible reduction or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial if no acceptable plea agreement is reached.
- File for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 if your case is dismissed.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Unlimited | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug education program |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides. We have documented results in Chesapeake.
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
Chesapeake Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Chesapeake and Surrounding Areas
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). We represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. As a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Chesapeake, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.
