A murder charge in Virginia Beach is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-32 (first-degree murder) and § 18.2-33 (second-degree murder), carrying penalties from 20 years to life imprisonment or death. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing these serious charges in Virginia Beach.
Murder Lawyer Virginia Beach, Virginia
Under Virginia law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. First-degree murder under Va. Code § 18.2-32 includes willful, deliberate, and premeditated killings, while second-degree murder under § 18.2-33 covers all other murders not classified as first-degree. A murder charge in Virginia Beach is a Class 2 felony, carrying a penalty of 20 years to life in prison. First-degree murder may also carry the death penalty under certain aggravating circumstances. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s murder statutes, see Va. Code § 18.2-32 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Va. Code § 18.2-33 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Virginia Beach General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum penalties for murder charges. We have observed that early intervention by a murder lawyer Virginia Beach can significantly impact the outcome. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately upon arrest.
- Do not consent to any searches or questioning without your lawyer present.
- Preserve all evidence, including phone records, texts, and surveillance footage.
- Document your whereabouts and activities at the time of the alleged offense.
- Contact a murder charge defense strategy lawyer Virginia Beach as soon as possible.
- Follow all court orders and attend every scheduled hearing.
In Virginia Beach, a murder charge carries penalties ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment, with the possibility of the death penalty for first-degree murder under certain aggravating circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder (Va. Code § 18.2-32) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life; death penalty possible | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition |
| Second-Degree Murder (Va. Code § 18.2-33) | Class 2 Felony | 5 to 40 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to providing aggressive, experienced representation for clients facing the most serious charges, including murder. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands the strategies used by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and can build a strong defense case-specific to your case.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach. While specific case results for murder charges in this locality are not available, the firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from Virginia Beach General District Court, with access via I-64 and I-264. As a murder lawyer Virginia Beach, we serve clients throughout the city. Serving the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murder Charges in Virginia Beach
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. Cases are prosecuted under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.) and Federal Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against murder charges?
Defense strategies for murder in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-32 (first degree) / § 18.2-33 (second degree) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing murder charges in Virginia?
If facing murder charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
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).
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach (City), Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Virginia Beach General District Court (misdemeanor) and Virginia Beach Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
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.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County pages useful. For related practice areas, see our Tort Lawyer Virginia Beach and Indemnity Lawyer Virginia Beach pages.
Last verified: May 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly