Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious. Felonies range from Class 6 (least serious) to Class 1 (most serious). The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Prince William County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held at Prince William County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases.
How to Handle a Criminal Case in Prince William County
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pretrial Conference: Meeting with the prosecutor to discuss possible plea agreements or case resolution.
- Motion Hearing: Opportunity to challenge evidence or procedural issues before trial.
- Trial: Bench trial in General District Court or jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: Right to appeal General District Court decisions to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties including jail time, fines, and permanent criminal records that affect employment and housing opportunities.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor (Assault, Petit Larceny) | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor (Disorderly Conduct) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 6 Felony (Grand Larceny $1,000+) | Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Revocation | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Class 5 Felony (Drug Distribution) | Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Revocation | Felony record, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. In Prince William County specifically, we have achieved 141 documented results with a 98% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
Our Prince William County criminal defense team includes former prosecutor Kristen Fisher and former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, providing unique insight into local prosecution strategies and police procedures.
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 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended to lesser offenses, and 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 similar outcomes in future cases.
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 the Prince William County area including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Manassas Criminal Lawyer – Nearby city
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Prince William County Family Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Former prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location – Serving Prince William County
Last verified: February 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance specific to your situation.