In Chesapeake, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties. A Class 1 misdemeanor can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A Securities Fraud lawyer Chesapeake can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. A Securities Fraud lawyer Chesapeake understands these classifications and how they apply to your case. An investment fraud defense lawyer Chesapeake can explain the specific charges you face.
Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly statutes defining criminal offenses and penalties.
Chesapeake General District Court — Official court website for the First Judicial District of Virginia.
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes cases at 307 Albemarle Drive. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial bond hearing before a magistrate.
- First appearance at Chesapeake General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase where the Commonwealth shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
- Sentencing or dismissal of charges.
In Chesapeake, 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 | Criminal record, potential restraining order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, possible vehicle impoundment |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, also handles criminal defense cases at the firm. Matthew Greene brings over 30 years of criminal defense experience.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case 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).
Criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake — serving Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier areas.
Neighborhoods served: Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
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.
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.
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.
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 visible to employers.
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Hub page for all Virginia criminal defense locations.
Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality serving central Virginia.
Chesapeake DUI Lawyer — Related practice area in the same locality.
Bryan Block — Former VA State Trooper — Attorney profile page.
Richmond Office Location — Serving Chesapeake clients by appointment.
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.