In Virginia Beach, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A Kickbacks lawyer Virginia Beach can help you understand your options.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Virginia Criminal Law: Statutory Framework
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Criminal offenses in Virginia Beach are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. If you are facing charges, a Kickbacks lawyer Virginia Beach can provide guidance on the specific statutes that apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: Virginia Beach General District Court
Virginia Beach General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the judge within 72 hours. The charges are read, and your bond is confirmed or modified.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the court sets a trial date within 4-8 weeks.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Trial or Plea: If no resolution is reached, your case proceeds to trial. You have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
In Virginia Beach, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 to every case. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Virginia Beach? We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Virginia Beach
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
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 approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Virginia Beach are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Virginia Beach General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.