Carjacking Lawyer Chesapeake, VA

If you or someone you know is facing a carjacking charge in Chesapeake, Virginia, the stakes are exceptionally high. Carjacking is one of the most serious felony offenses under Virginia law, carrying a potential sentence of 15 years up to life in prison. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand the gravity of a carjacking accusation and work to build a thorough defense for every client. Our firm has served clients across Virginia since 1997, and we regularly appear in the Chesapeake courts — including the Chesapeake General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Chesapeake Circuit Court for felony trials. If you need experienced legal representation, reach our team at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Carjacking Means in Chesapeake, VA

Under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1, carjacking occurs when a person intentionally seizes control of a motor vehicle from another person by violence or intimidation. The statute treats carjacking as an extraordinarily serious felony because the offense combines theft with a direct threat to personal safety. The Commonwealth must prove that you used violence or put the victim in fear of bodily harm to take or keep the vehicle. Importantly, the law does not require that the vehicle be permanently taken; a momentary seizure with force is enough to support a carjacking charge.

Carjacking is a felony in Virginia carrying a sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment, with no possibility of suspension of the sentence.

Source: Va. Code § 18.2-58.1. Virginia Code § 18.2-58.1

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

In Chesapeake, a carjacking case starts with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate. Because carjacking is a felony, a preliminary hearing is held in the Chesapeake General District Court at 307 Albemarle Drive. At that hearing, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake must show probable cause to send the case to the Chesapeake Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felony trials in Chesapeake, and you have an absolute right to a jury trial. The Chesapeake Circuit Court judge or a jury will determine guilt after hearing all evidence.

Chesapeake General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Michael R. Katchmark. Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Carjacking Cases

When you face a carjacking charge in Chesapeake, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by thoroughly investigating the facts. Carjacking prosecutions often rest on the testimony of the alleged victim and any witnesses; our defense approach carefully examines identification procedures, inconsistencies in statements, and whether the alleged use of force or intimidation meets the statutory standard. We consult with investigators and, when helpful, engage expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team—which includes a former Virginia State Trooper—bring a unique understanding of how law enforcement builds a case against you. They know how to identify procedural lapses, Miranda violations, or unconstitutional search and seizure issues that can lead to the suppression of evidence. While past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, our team works to identify every factual and legal weakness in the state’s case, from the credibility of witnesses to the admissibility of physical evidence. Throughout the process, you remain informed, and every strategic decision is made with your input.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings trial experience to criminal defense. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team consists of experienced attorneys who contribute substantial criminal defense background to every carjacking case. Among the Of Counsel is a former Virginia State Trooper whose 15 years of law enforcement service give him firsthand insight into police procedures and accident investigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to defending individuals accused of serious felonies in Chesapeake. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is carjacking under Virginia law?

Carjacking in Virginia is the intentional seizure of a motor vehicle from another person by violence or intimidation, as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-58.1. The key element is that the taking must be accomplished through force or threat—simply stealing a parked, empty car is grand larceny, not carjacking. The law also covers situations where a driver is forced to give up the vehicle by intimidation, such as brandishing a weapon or verbally threatening harm. Because carjacking is a violent felony, the potential sentence is severe, and the charge cannot be reduced directly by a judge during a bench trial.

What are the penalties for carjacking in Chesapeake?

A conviction for carjacking in Virginia carries a sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment, and the law prohibits suspension of any part of that sentence. The sentence must be served day-for-day without the possibility of parole or early release for good behavior. In addition to imprisonment, a carjacking conviction results in a permanent felony criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and serious collateral consequences for employment, housing, and professional licenses. The case is handled in Chesapeake Circuit Court after an initial preliminary hearing in the Chesapeake General District Court.

How does a lawyer defend against carjacking charges?

Defense strategies for carjacking in Virginia may include challenging the credibility of the alleged victim, examining the identification of the defendant, and scrutinizing the methods used by law enforcement during the investigation. An experienced attorney will look for inconsistencies in witness statements, verify whether the alleged force actually meets the statutory definition of violence or intimidation, and argue any procedural violations—such as an unlawful search or interrogation—to suppress evidence. In some situations, the evidence may support a lesser charge, such as unauthorized use of a vehicle, which carries significantly lower penalties. Each defense is built around the specific facts of the case.

What should I do if I am facing carjacking charges in Chesapeake?

If you are arrested or suspect you are under investigation for carjacking in Chesapeake, immediately ask to speak with an attorney and do not discuss the case with anyone else. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you. Preserve any evidence that could support your side—photos, text messages, receipts, or witness contact information—and provide them to your attorney. Contact a criminal defense lawyer who regularly appears in Chesapeake courts; early involvement allows your attorney to advocate for bond, start collecting evidence, and potentially influence the charging decision before a preliminary hearing.

Can I get a bond if charged with carjacking in Chesapeake?

While carjacking is a serious offense that often results in a high secured bond, it is possible to argue for bond or bond reduction at a hearing in the Chesapeake General District Court. The magistrate initially sets bond after arrest, and a judge can review the bond at a later hearing. Factors the court considers include your ties to the community, criminal history, and whether you pose a flight risk or danger to others. An attorney can present evidence—such as family support, employment, and lack of prior violent offenses—to advocate for a reasonable bond or release on personal recognizance. However, there is no guarantee bond will be granted.

For additional questions about your carjacking case in Chesapeake, reach our legal team at (888) 437-7747.

Resources and Related Practice Areas

For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Practice page. You may also find these related pages helpful:

Virginia Legal Resources

Consult the following official sources for current statutes and court information:

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.