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 result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A Fraud Lawyer Chesapeake can help protect your record.
Criminal Defense Law in Chesapeake, Virginia
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Sentencing follows § 19.2-295.1, and expungement for acquittals or dismissals is available under § 19.2-392.2. Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes these cases. A Fraud Lawyer Chesapeake understands these local procedures.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Chesapeake General District Court — official Virginia Courts website
Insider Knowledge: Chesapeake General District Court
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery phase — your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- Appeal to Circuit Court if necessary for a jury trial.
In Chesapeake, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
Case Results in Chesapeake
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Chesapeake Location
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive), accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
We serve: Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
Looking for a Fraud Lawyer Chesapeake? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Chesapeake
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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. Cases are heard at Chesapeake General District Court.
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record.
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.
Related Practice Areas
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer in Chesapeake
- Family Law Lawyer in Chesapeake
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.