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 and $2,500 fines, 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 and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys know local court procedures at Prince William County General District Court.
Criminal defense representation in Prince William County requires understanding both General District Court misdemeanor procedures and Circuit Court felony jury trial rights.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors (Va. Code § 18.2-11) or felonies (§ 18.2-10). Common Prince William County charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended license (§ 46.2-301). 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 moving to Prince William County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly criminal statutes
- Prince William County General District Court website — court information, forms, and procedures
Prince William County Criminal Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue) to enter a plea and receive trial dates.
- Discovery review: Your attorney examines police reports, witness statements, and evidence for procedural weaknesses.
- Pre-trial motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on constitutional violations.
- Trial or negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC before a judge. Felonies move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal misdemeanor convictions to Circuit Court for new jury trial.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Experience
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: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended.
Our Prince William County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement experience understanding police procedures and investigation standards.
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
Prince William County Criminal Defense Results
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, 1 other favorable outcome — a 98% favorable outcome rate for Prince William County criminal cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent clients throughout Prince William County including 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
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | (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/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile — former prosecutor
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.