Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Va. Code Title 18.2: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; felonies 1-10+ years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas).
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors (less serious) or felonies (more serious). Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most severe. Felonies range from Class 6 (least severe) to Class 1 (most severe). Each classification carries specific maximum penalties defined in the Virginia Code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Prince William County General District Court website — court information and procedures
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Appear at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas) to enter plea. Misdemeanor trials typically scheduled 4-8 weeks later.
- Preliminary hearing for felonies: For felony charges, a preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days to determine probable cause before case moves to Circuit Court.
- Discovery and motion practice: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials in GDC; felony jury trials in Prince William County Circuit Court. Right to jury trial exists for any jail-time offense.
- Post-trial options: Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days. Expungement available for acquittals/dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to lengthy prison terms, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500 and felonies 1-10+ years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250-$2,500 | License suspension 1 year | Ignition interlock possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate). These results reflect our attorneys’ experience with Prince William County General District Court procedures and local prosecutors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). Criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County and surrounding communities. We represent clients in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William County 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 Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
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 Prince William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Prince William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County 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. Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer — state hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer — nearby locality
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.