Carjacking Lawyer Manassas, VA

A carjacking accusation in Manassas, Virginia, brings the potential for a prison
sentence ranging from 15 years to life. The charge — defined under Va. Code
§ 18.2-58.1 as intentionally seizing control of a motor vehicle by violence or
intimidation — is prosecuted as a felony with no possibility of suspension.
When someone is facing an allegation of this severity in the Manassas General
District Court or the Manassas Circuit Court, the immediate priority is to secure
representation from an attorney who understands how these cases are built and
tried in the Thirty-first Judicial District. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear
regularly in the Manassas courts, and the firm has documented case results across
multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What a Carjacking Charge Means in Manassas, Virginia

A carjacking charge under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1 is classified as a felony
punishable by 15 years to life imprisonment. Unlike many other felonies in
Virginia, a sentence for carjacking cannot be suspended — any term of
incarceration imposed by the court must be served. The charge requires proof
that the accused used violence or intimidation to take control of a motor
vehicle from another person. Because the offense is a crime of violence, it
carries collateral consequences that extend well beyond the criminal case
itself, including a permanent felony record and the loss of certain civil
rights.

In Manassas, a carjacking case may begin in the Manassas General District
Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, where a preliminary hearing determines
whether there is probable cause to send the charge to the Manassas Circuit
Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes felony
matters, and the Circuit Court is the venue for all jury trials and for any
appeal from the General District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are
familiar with the procedures of both courts and with the manner in which
carjacking cases are typically developed and prosecuted in this jurisdiction.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Carjacking Cases

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach each carjacking matter by examining
the evidence the prosecution intends to use, identifying potential
procedural issues, and developing a strategy that addresses the specific facts
of the case. This includes a careful review of witness statements, any
available video or forensic evidence, and the circumstances of the arrest. In
Virginia, while judges do not participate in plea negotiations, a prosecutor
may agree to amend a charge where the evidence supports a lesser offense, and
the defense team will evaluate whether that avenue is appropriate in a given
case.

The firm’s work on a carjacking charge in Manassas also involves a thorough
analysis of whether the defendant’s constitutional rights were respected
during the investigation. Because the penalties are severe, every step of the
prosecution’s case is tested, from the validity of identification procedures
to the admissibility of statements. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring
extensive combined legal experience to this process. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in
1997. A former prosecutor, he has spent his career in criminal trial work and
is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New
Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified 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 law enforcement
backgrounds and deep familiarity with Virginia’s court system, all of whom are
engaged through Excella. Together, they appear in courts throughout Northern
Virginia, including the Manassas General District Court and the Manassas
Circuit Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for carjacking in Virginia?

Carjacking in Virginia is a felony that carries a sentence of 15 years to
life imprisonment, and the sentence cannot be suspended. The statute, Va.
Code § 18.2-58.1, treats the offense as a crime of violence. A conviction
results in a permanent felony record and the loss of the right to possess a
firearm. Because the sentencing range is fixed by law, the presentation of
mitigating evidence and the negotiation of any potential amendments are
critical parts of the defense. For a consultation about a specific case,
contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Does Virginia allow plea bargaining in a carjacking case?

Yes, plea bargaining is permitted in Virginia under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules
of the Supreme Court of Virginia, though the judge is not a party to the
negotiation. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge to a
lesser offense or to recommend a particular sentence. In a carjacking case,
the viability of a plea agreement depends on the strength of the evidence and
the circumstances of the alleged offense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate
each case individually to determine whether a negotiated resolution is
appropriate.

How does a carjacking case move through the Manassas courts?

A carjacking charge begins in the Manassas General District Court, where
the court holds a preliminary hearing, and if probable cause is found, the
case proceeds to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. The General District
Court does not have jurisdiction to try a felony; its role is to screen the
charge. In the Circuit Court, the defendant has a right to a jury trial.
Motions, discovery, and any plea discussions take place in the Circuit Court
before trial. The time from arrest to resolution varies by case complexity and
court scheduling.

What should I do if I am under investigation for carjacking in Manassas?

If you are under investigation, do not discuss the case with law
enforcement until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be
used against you. Preserve any information that may be relevant, such as
witness contact details or text messages, and provide them to your lawyer.
Contacting an attorney early allows the defense to begin reviewing the
prosecution’s evidence and to communicate with investigators on your behalf.
To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at
(888) 437-7747.

Can a Virginia carjacking conviction ever be expunged?

A carjacking conviction cannot be expunged under Virginia law; expungement
is generally available only for charges that end in an acquittal, a nolle
prosequi, or a dismissal. Under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, a person who is
acquitted or whose charge is otherwise dismissed may petition the circuit
court to expunge the police and court records. A conviction, because of the
severity of the offense, is not eligible for expungement under current law.
This makes it all the more important to challenge the prosecution’s case at
every stage.

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Primary sources:
Virginia Code § 18.2-58.1 •
Manassas General District Court •
Manassas Circuit Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.