Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include § 18.2-57 for assault and battery (Class 1 misdemeanor), § 18.2-96 for petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor for theft under $1,000), and § 46.2-301 for driving on a suspended license (Class 1 misdemeanor). Felony thresholds begin at $1,000 for grand larceny under § 18.2-95. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Virginia Beach criminal defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) from the Virginia General Assembly. For Virginia Beach court information: Virginia Beach General District Court website provides location, hours, and procedures.
Virginia Beach Criminal Court Procedures
Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Virginia Beach General District Court to enter a plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions filing period.
- Bench trial in GDC or plea negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Appeal to Virginia Beach Circuit Court within 10 days for jury trial if convicted.
- Sentencing hearing if found guilty or after plea agreement.
Virginia Beach Criminal Penalties
In Virginia Beach, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months/$1,000, and felonies from 1-10 years depending on classification.
| 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 typically | 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) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique qualifications to Virginia Beach criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Our Virginia Beach team includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing insider understanding of police procedures and investigation standards.
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
Virginia Beach Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements in criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts, accessible via I-64 and Route 44. We provide criminal defense representation throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 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 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: 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
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. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 8 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 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 an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Virginia Beach DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.