Virginia Beach Misdemeanor Crime

Like most states, Virginia groups criminal offenses into one of two categories: misdemeanors or felonies. The most severe crimes are considered felony offenses, while those deemed less serious are classified as misdemeanor crimes.

Because misdemeanor crimes are considered relatively minor when compared to felony offenses, the penalties for a Virginia Beach misdemeanor crime are less severe than the sentences associated with felony crimes. However, depending on the type of offense you are charged with, the penalties for a misdemeanor crime may still include jail time.

There are a number of offenses that can be categorized as a misdemeanor crime. Since some of these offenses are more severe that others, Virginia state law groups misdemeanor crimes into four categories, or classes. The penalties for each misdemeanor class are then determined according to the severity of the charges.

Reserved for the most minor offenses, such as traffic infractions, Class 3 and Class 4 misdemeanors have no penalties other fine—with the maximum being $250 for  Class 4 offenses, and $500 for Class 3.

Class 2 misdemeanors include more serious moving violations, such as aggressive driving and driving on a suspended or revoked license. The penalties for a Class 2 misdemeanor may include a prison sentence of no more than six months, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Finally, the most serious types of misdemeanor crimes are considered Class 1 misdemeanors. Crimes such as simple assault, battery, carrying a concealed weapon, alcohol possession by a minor, petit larceny, and possessing marijuana are classified as Class 1 misdemeanor crimes. The penalties for these types of offenses include a maximum one-year jail sentence, and/or a fine of up to $2,500. In some cases, many of the offenses that fall within this category can be treated as a felony. 

Although misdemeanor crimes are not as severe as felonies, the penalties for many offenses include jail time nevertheless. If you are charged with a Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you avoid jail time.

With over a decade of trial experience, attorney Michael C. Tillotson knows the ins and outs of Virginia’s misdemeanor crime laws, and he can put this knowledge to work for you. In many cases, Mr. Tillotson may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence on your behalf, or even help you avoid conviction entirely.

For a free, no-obligation consultation on your Virginia Beach misdemeanor crime case, contact Michael C. Tillotson today.