Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal offenses are defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Class 1 misdemeanors (Va. Code § 18.2-11) carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor who began practicing in 1997, has deep knowledge of these statutes and their application in Alexandria courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly website
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Alexandria court information, procedures, and forms, access the Alexandria General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Alexandria Criminal Court Procedures
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Request personal recognizance for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Alexandria General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights. Request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations: File motions to suppress evidence if constitutional violations occurred. Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or diversion programs.
- Trial preparation: Prepare witnesses, gather evidence, and develop trial strategy. Consider jury trial demand for Circuit Court if facing jail time.
- Trial or plea resolution: Present defense at trial or accept favorable plea agreement. Ensure all rights are protected throughout the process.
Criminal Penalties in Alexandria
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can mean 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and legal arguments.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. With 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, our attorneys have handled thousands of Alexandria criminal matters. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to every case.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria General District Court and understand local procedures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). As a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria, we represent clients throughout Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations — 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 Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Arlington County criminal defense. In Alexandria, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. 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.