Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutors understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in Prince William County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Virginia General Assembly defines these penalties in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Prince William County court procedures.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For Prince William County court information: Prince William County General District Court website (Virginia court system).
Prince William County Criminal 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 at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment in General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas).
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Appeal to Circuit Court: Exercise your right to a jury trial by appealing to Prince William County Circuit Court within 10 days of a GDC conviction.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | 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 or 6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings specific Prince William County experience to criminal defense. Founded in 1997, our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with knowledge of local court procedures. Former prosecutors on our staff understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in Prince William County.
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
Prince William County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable outcome. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Prince William County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent clients throughout the Prince William County area 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 | Local: (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 Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer | Prince William County DUI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher 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.