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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake 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 1 documented result in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Chesapeake General District Court.
In Chesapeake, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Chesapeake General District Court located at 307 Albemarle Drive.
Chesapeake Criminal Defense Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 5 felonies (1-10 years imprisonment). Specific offenses relevant to Chesapeake include assault and battery under § 18.2-57, petit larceny under § 18.2-96, and driving on a suspended license under § 46.2-301. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive experience to Chesapeake criminal cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Chesapeake General District Court website.
Chesapeake Court Process
Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from General District Court decisions. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court to enter plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motion filing.
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or request for Circuit Court jury trial.
- Sentencing if convicted, or expungement petition if case dismissed.
Chesapeake Criminal Penalties
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of law enforcement procedures. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
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 criminal defense result in Chesapeake: 1 case dismissed or not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts located at 307 Albemarle Drive, accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations—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.
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).
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In Chesapeake, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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.
