In Chesapeake, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A False Claims lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand your options. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is defined under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). This code section covers everything from assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all criminal charges in the city. A False Claims lawyer Chesapeake can assist with fraud-related charges under federal and state law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings insider knowledge of how prosecutors build cases.
For the official Virginia criminal code, visit Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Chesapeake General District Court procedures, see the Chesapeake General District Court website.
In Chesapeake General District Court, prosecutors routinely offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion results in dismissal. Your case starts with an arraignment where you enter a plea. The court sets a pretrial conference date. Discovery exchanges happen before trial. A bench trial occurs in GDC. You can appeal a conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
- Pretrial conference: Meet with prosecutor to discuss plea options.
- Discovery: Exchange evidence with the prosecution.
- Bench trial: Judge hears evidence and issues a verdict.
- Appeal: File notice of appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” A federal false claims defense lawyer Chesapeake can help with federal fraud allegations.
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. has 1 documented results in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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. A criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake can help with your case. We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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?
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. 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?
Yes, 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.
Internal links: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesapeake DUI Lawyer | Chesapeake Family Law Lawyer
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.