Carjacking Lawyer Manassas, VA

A carjacking charge under Virginia law carries severe penalties, including a potential life sentence. If you or someone you know has been arrested in Manassas, it is important to understand the statutory framework and the legal process ahead. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Carjacking Means in Manassas

Under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1, carjacking is defined as the intentional seizure or exercise of control over a motor vehicle of another by violence, threat of violence, or intimidation. The offense is a felony punishable by imprisonment for a term of not less than 15 years nor more than life, without the possibility of suspension. The charge is prosecuted in the Circuit Court of the City of Manassas after a preliminary hearing in the Manassas General District Court. Both courts are located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia 20110, within the Thirty-first Judicial District. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes these cases. Because the statutory penalty scheme does not allow the court to suspend any part of the life sentence, the stakes are extraordinarily high from the outset.

Manassas sits near major transportation corridors, including I‑66, Route 28, and Route 234. While carjacking is not a high‑volume offense in the area, the law enforcement response is active and the prosecution presses for maximum penalties. A person accused of carjacking faces not only the immediate criminal consequences but also long‑term collateral effects on employment, housing, and firearm rights. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has experience handling serious felony matters in Manassas courts and works with Of Counsel to build a rigorous defense.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Carjacking Cases

The firm’s approach begins with a thorough review of the arrest, the evidence gathered, and the procedural steps law enforcement followed. Issues such as the reliability of identification, the voluntariness of any statements, and the chain of custody for physical evidence are examined immediately. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team also look closely at the charging instrument to determine whether every element of the offense can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. If appropriate, the team may seek to negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge—for example, to a lesser felony that carries a more flexible sentencing range—while always preparing for the possibility of trial.

In the Circuit Court, a defendant has an absolute right to a jury trial. The firm’s trial preparation includes engaging independent attorneys when necessary, developing a coherent defense theory, and filing pretrial motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional safeguards. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on extensive combined legal experience to navigate this process. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His legislative work includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in law enforcement and trial advocacy; collectively they bring extensive combined legal experience to serious criminal matters. The firm handles carjacking cases in Manassas with a focus on factual investigation and procedural rigor, drawing on both prosecutorial insight and defense-oriented strategy.

Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for carjacking in Virginia?

Carjacking in Virginia is a felony punishable by 15 years to life imprisonment, without possibility of suspension. The judge has no authority to suspend any portion of the life sentence, making it one of the most serious offenses in the Commonwealth. The charge is heard in the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in General District Court. A conviction also results in a permanent felony record and the loss of certain civil rights, including firearm possession.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against carjacking charges?

An experienced attorney examines the evidence for constitutional violations, challenges witness identifications, and explores whether the statutory elements can be proved. Defenses may include lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, mistaken identity, or that the act did not involve the required violence or intimidation. The attorney also evaluates whether any statements made by the accused were obtained in violation of Miranda rights. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will request discovery from the Commonwealth early and may file motions to suppress evidence.

What should I do if I am facing carjacking charges in Manassas?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and refuse to discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Do not post about the incident on social media or speak with law enforcement without counsel present. Gather any documents, photographs, or witness contact information that may be helpful, but let your attorney handle communications with police and prosecutors. Prompt legal involvement allows the attorney to preserve evidence and begin preparing a defense while the facts are fresh.

Where is the carjacking case heard in Manassas?

Carjacking cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the Manassas General District Court, then proceed to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. Both courts sit at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. The General District Court determines whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court. In the Circuit Court, the defendant may have a jury trial. The presiding judge for the General District Court is Hon. Che C. Rogers. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m.

How long will a carjacking case take in Virginia?

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, the court’s calendar, and pretrial motions. A preliminary hearing in General District Court typically occurs within weeks of the arrest. If the case is certified to the Circuit Court, the trial may be scheduled several months later. The Virginia speedy-trial statute allows an incarcerated defendant to demand trial within five months for a misdemeanor or nine months for a felony, but delays can be attributable to the defendant’s own motions. An experienced attorney will work to move the case forward efficiently while ensuring thorough preparation.

Do I need a lawyer for a carjacking charge in Manassas?

Yes. A carjacking conviction carries a potential life sentence and cannot be expunged. Even if you believe the evidence is weak, the prosecution will move forward actively. An attorney can challenge the charges, protect your rights during the process, and present any mitigating circumstances to the Commonwealth or the court. Attempting to handle the matter without counsel puts you at a severe disadvantage. To discuss your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Related Criminal Defense Resources

For additional information about criminal defense in neighboring cities and counties, see:
Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer |
Fairfax City Criminal Lawyer |
Prince William County Criminal Lawyer |
Manassas Park Criminal Lawyer

Primary Virginia Law Sources

Virginia Code Title 18.2 — Crimes and Offenses Generally |
Virginia Judicial System

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