Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. Class 1 misdemeanors (like assault and battery under § 18.2-57) carry up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines. Class 2 misdemeanors: up to 6 months/$1,000. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The grand larceny threshold is $1,000+ (felony). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings 120+ years of combined legal experience to Alexandria cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. Alexandria court information is available at the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Criminal Court Process
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases.
- 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 at Alexandria General District Court: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review prosecution evidence, file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, request jury trial in Alexandria Circuit Court.
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, 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 (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, prison time |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings unique qualifications to Alexandria criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases. We’ve handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
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
Alexandria Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Alexandria criminal defense work includes dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria General District Court.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes
Can criminal charges be expunged in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes
How does bail work in Alexandria, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Alexandria. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Alexandria?
Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria 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. Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) is the GDC location.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve Arlington County criminal defense clients. In Alexandria, we handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.