Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 18.2-11 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation in Alexandria, with firm-wide experience handling 4,739+ documented case results. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand Alexandria General District Court procedures and can protect your rights.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Alexandria include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and drug possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250). The classification system determines penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months/$2,500), Class 2 misdemeanors (up to 6 months/$1,000), and felonies (1 year to life). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Alexandria cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). Alexandria court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the Virginia Courts website for Alexandria General District Court.
Alexandria Court Procedures
Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Alexandria Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea at Alexandria General District Court. The court schedules your trial date.
- Discovery: Review the prosecution’s evidence. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, you can request a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, present mitigation evidence. The judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Alexandria Circuit Court within 10 days.
Criminal Penalties in Alexandria
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm restrictions |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alexandria Criminal Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We maintain a small, focused caseload to ensure deep involvement in every Alexandria case. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal proceedings.
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
Case Results in Alexandria
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. While we maintain specific Alexandria case experience, we apply our extensive firm-wide knowledge to each local matter.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Arlington County criminal defense. In Alexandria, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
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.