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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Chesapeake can help you understand your options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This statute defines all criminal offenses from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felonies (1-5 years imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesapeake General District Court website for local procedural rules.
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes cases here. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Pre-trial conference with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to discuss plea options.
- Misdemeanor trial or felony preliminary hearing in General District Court.
- If bound over to Circuit Court, felony trial within 9 months under speedy trial rules.
- Post-trial options: appeal to Circuit Court or expungement under § 19.2-392.2.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. The table below shows standard classifications.
| 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, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (over $1,000) | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating our firm’s ability to shape Virginia law.
Additionally, Kristen M. Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of experience, support our criminal defense team in Chesapeake.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ results with a 93%+ 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). The court is accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). We serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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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.
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.
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