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Felonies & Misdemeanors

Criminal Defense Attorney,
Chad Dorsk

Dorsk Law Office Represents People Charged with Felonies & Misdemeanors

Felony & Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Norfolk & Hampton Roads

Virginia divides criminal offenses into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Both can carry serious consequences for your freedom, your record, your job, and your future. Whether you are facing a high-stakes felony or a first-time misdemeanor, the quality of your defense matters.

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Attorney Chad G. Dorsk has more than 19 years of criminal jury trial experience defending people charged with felonies and misdemeanors throughout Hampton Roads. He routinely tries five to six high-profile jury trials per year in state and federal court and handles cases ranging from murder and violent felonies to domestic violence, strangulation, drug offenses, weapons charges, and everyday misdemeanors.

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A Trial Lawyer Who Fights for Results

Chad Dorsk hates to lose. He works tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for every client. Many cases resolve without a full trial, but when a case must be tried, preparation and courtroom experience matter. He gets to know his clients so he can help when it matters most — at bond hearings, critical motions, and jury trials.

Dorsk Law Office is a boutique criminal defense practice. Clients are not handed off or processed through a high-volume system. When you call the office, you speak with a real person — Nanci — and the attorney handling the case is directly involved from the start.



Related Practice Pages

We handle a full range of felony and misdemeanor charges. Learn more about specific areas of defense:

 

Virginia Felony Crimes

Felonies are the more serious category of criminal offense in Virginia. A felony conviction can mean substantial prison time, a permanent criminal record, loss of certain rights, and long-term consequences for employment and housing. Common felonies we defend include:

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Capital Murder

The intentional and premeditated killing of another person under certain circumstances. Va. Code § 18.2-31. Penalties can include life imprisonment.

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First-Degree and Second-Degree Murder

Willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing (first-degree) or killing with malice but without premeditation (second-degree). Va. Code § 18.2-32. First-degree: 20 years to life. Second-degree: 5 to 40 years.

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Robbery

Taking or attempting to take property from another by force, threat, or intimidation. Va. Code § 18.2-58. Penalties: 5 years to life.

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Strangulation

Knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully applying pressure to the neck of another (or blocking the airway) resulting in wounding or bodily injury, without consent. Va. Code § 18.2-51.6. Class 6 felony. Frequently charged in domestic and assault cases and treated seriously by prosecutors.

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Malicious Wounding and Related Offenses

Serious bodily injury offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-51 and related statutes. These cases often turn on intent, self-defense, and the quality of the investigation.

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Child Pornography / CSAM

Knowing possession of child pornography is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1. Production and distribution carry more severe penalties. See our detailed page on Child Pornography & CSAM Defense.

 

Other Serious Felonies

We also defend drug distribution and trafficking, firearms offenses (including felon in possession), fraud and white-collar crimes, and other felony charges in both state and federal court.

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Virginia Misdemeanor Crimes

Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, but a conviction still creates a permanent criminal record and can affect employment, housing, security clearances, and professional licenses. Even a fine-only disposition is still a conviction. Common misdemeanors we defend include:

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Misdemeanor Penalties in Virginia

Virginia classifies misdemeanors by class:

  • Class 1 Misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500

  • Class 2 Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000

  • Class 3 Misdemeanor: Fine up to $500

  • Class 4 Misdemeanor: Fine up to $250

 

A guilty plea — even if it results only in a fine — still creates a criminal conviction. Before accepting any offer from the Commonwealth, speak with an experienced defense attorney.

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Why Experience Matters

It is a common mistake to assume the facts alone will speak for themselves. The skill of your trial attorney often makes the difference — in how the case is investigated, what motions are filed, how negotiations with the Commonwealth proceed, and how the case is tried if it goes to a jury.

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Chad Dorsk has appeared regularly in General District and Circuit Courts across Hampton Roads, and in the Eastern District of Virginia. He has obtained not-guilty verdicts in serious felony jury trials and regularly handles both high-profile and everyday criminal cases. For more on his background and approach, see the About page.

Contact Us About a Felony or Misdemeanor Charge

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If you or a family member is facing a felony or misdemeanor charge in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk, or anywhere in Hampton Roads, call as early as possible.

Call (757) 423-0271. When you call, you will speak with Nanci, a real person who can help you.

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Contact us today to discuss your case

Dorsk Law Office, PLC

409 Duke Street, Suite 100

Norfolk, VA 23510

Serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News,

Hampton, Suffolk, and the surrounding area.

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