Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers: What to Check First
Updated 2026-10-06
Being arrested or charged with a crime is frightening. You may have a court date coming up, conditions of release to follow, and questions about your job or family. A criminal defense lawyer can explain the charge, the process, and your options. This guide covers what to check first when you look for a defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, including where to find a public defender if you cannot afford one.
First steps after a charge
Read your paperwork carefully. Note the exact charge, the court, and the date and time of your next appearance. Missing a court date can lead to new problems, including an additional charge or a warrant.
Some general points apply in most cases:
- You have the right to remain silent. Many people choose not to discuss the facts with police or anyone else until they have talked to a lawyer.
- Do not post about the case on social media.
- Follow every condition of your release, such as no-contact orders.
- Keep all papers you receive from the police, the jail, or the court.
Where Virginia Beach cases are heard
Virginia Beach is an independent city, so it is not part of any county. Criminal cases in the city are heard in Virginia's state courts located in Virginia Beach. In general, misdemeanor cases are heard in General District Court, and felony cases are tried in Circuit Court, often after an earlier hearing in General District Court. Cases involving juveniles or family members may go to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Some charges are federal and are heard in federal court instead. A lawyer can tell you which court has your case and what to expect at each stage.
Check the lawyer's Virginia State Bar record
Lawyers who practice in Virginia must be licensed in Virginia. The Virginia State Bar offers a public Lawyer Look Up where you can search for a lawyer by name. Confirm that the lawyer's status allows them to practice and look for any public discipline.
The Virginia State Bar also explains how to file a complaint against a Virginia lawyer if a problem comes up later. The Bar has also warned the public about scams in which callers use spoofed phone numbers to impersonate lawyers. If someone calls claiming to be your lawyer and asks for money, hang up and call the lawyer's office at a number you looked up yourself.
If you cannot afford a lawyer
If you are charged with a crime that could lead to jail and you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the court to appoint one. The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission runs public defender offices across the state. Its office list shows a Virginia Beach Public Defender office serving the City of Virginia Beach. In some cases, the court appoints a private lawyer from a court-appointed counsel list instead.
The court decides whether you qualify. Ask about this at your first court appearance, or ask the court clerk how to request an appointed lawyer.
How to compare private defense lawyers
If you plan to hire a private lawyer, try to speak with more than one. Ask:
- How often do you handle cases like mine in Virginia Beach courts?
- What are the possible outcomes for this kind of charge?
- Will you personally handle my case and appear at every hearing?
- How will you communicate with me, and how quickly do you respond?
- What can I do now to help my case?
A good lawyer will explain the process honestly, including the risks. No lawyer can promise a dismissal or a specific sentence. If someone does, treat that as a warning sign.
Understand the fee
Criminal defense lawyers often charge a flat fee for a stage of a case, such as handling a misdemeanor through trial in General District Court. Others charge by the hour, especially in complex felony cases. Contingency fees are not used in criminal cases.
Before you sign, ask:
- What does the fee cover, and where does it stop?
- Will an appeal or a trial cost extra?
- Which costs are separate, such as investigators or transcripts?
- What happens to the fee if the case ends early?
Get the agreement in writing.
Questions to ask at the first meeting
Bring your charging papers, release conditions, and any letters from the court. Then ask:
- What exactly am I charged with, and what does the prosecution have to prove?
- What are my options, such as going to trial or negotiating?
- Could this charge affect my job, license, immigration status, or housing?
- What happens at my next court date?
- Is there anything I should avoid doing while the case is open?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, tell the lawyer early. A criminal case can affect immigration status, and the lawyer may need to consider that.
After the case
Depending on how a case ends, Virginia law may allow some records to be sealed or expunged. The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission's site has public information about record sealing and expungement. A lawyer can tell you whether you may qualify.
For other legal problems, the USAGov legal aid page lists free and low-cost legal help programs.
To browse local firms, see criminal defense lawyers in Virginia Beach, all lawyers in Virginia Beach, or our overview of criminal defense law.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a public defender in Virginia Beach?
Ask the court at your first appearance. If you qualify, the court may appoint the Virginia Beach Public Defender's office or a court-appointed private lawyer.
Which court will hear my case?
In general, misdemeanors are heard in General District Court and felonies are tried in Circuit Court. A lawyer can confirm where your case is.
How do I check a Virginia Beach lawyer's license?
Use the Virginia State Bar's Lawyer Look Up and confirm the lawyer's status and any public discipline.
Should I talk to the police about my case?
You have the right to remain silent. Many people speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Virginia attorney about your situation.