Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law, codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defines offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95, carries 1 to 10 years imprisonment, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the courtroom. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and forms for Prince William County are available through the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230 in Manassas, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants, with successful completion resulting in dismissal.
- 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 a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Prince William County General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial 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 a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence if convicted, or appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court for a jury trial within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| 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+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession Schedule I/II (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and defense strategy.
Bond amount is set by the magistrate at arrest—personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%). Public defender eligibility is based on income; court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. The firm’s combined attorney experience totals more than 120 years. Mr. Sris, the founding attorney, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 Prince William County
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, and 1 other favorable outcome—a 98% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County, accessible via major highways. We serve 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: (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). 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 Legal Services
For Virginia-wide criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. If you’re in a neighboring jurisdiction, consider our Fairfax County criminal lawyer or Manassas criminal lawyer pages. For related practice areas in Prince William County, see DUI/DWI defense and family law services.
Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher or visit our Fairfax location page.
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.