Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Prince William County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and drug possession. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases at the Prince William County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials occurring in Prince William County Circuit Court.
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 General Assembly statutes
- Prince William County General District Court website — court procedures and information
Prince William County Court Procedures
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The court operates Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest
- Arraignment at Prince William County General District Court to hear formal charges
- Discovery review and motion filing period (typically 2-4 weeks)
- Negotiation with Commonwealth’s Attorney or preparation for trial
- Bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies
- Sentencing or transfer to Circuit Court for felony jury trial
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry varying penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months and $1,000, while felonies range from 1-10 years imprisonment depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective orders, no-contact conditions |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program eligibility |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Felony Drug Distribution | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Mandatory minimums possible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Prince William County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Prince William County specifically, we have 141 documented criminal defense results.
Our former prosecutor Kristen Fisher brings firsthand experience with Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney office procedures and negotiation approaches.
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 criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome—achieving a 98% favorable outcome rate for Prince William County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Serving Prince William County Communities
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts. We are accessible to residents throughout Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. As a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County courthouse, we provide convenient representation.
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 Services
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer — state-wide criminal defense hub
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer — neighboring jurisdiction
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — learn more about your attorney
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.