Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Criminal Defense Statutes in Prince William County
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses by severity, with misdemeanors divided into four classes and felonies into six classes. The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases in the county.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court information is available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Criminal Court Process in Prince William County
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. Prince William County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions.
- 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 and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter plea at Prince William County General District Court. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review prosecution evidence and file motions to suppress or dismiss. This phase occurs 2-4 weeks after arraignment.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement. Misdemeanor trials typically occur 4-8 weeks from arraignment.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows immediately. You can appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court for jury trial within 10 days.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and 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 |
| Driving on suspended | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug possession (first offense) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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
Criminal Defense Results in Prince William County
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 (98% favorable outcome rate). These results reflect our experience with Prince William County General District Court procedures and local prosecutors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts, accessible via major highways. We represent clients throughout 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).
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
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.