Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Prince William County General District Court.
Criminal defense representation in Prince William County requires knowledge of both General District Court for misdemeanors and Circuit Court for felonies.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors include assault, petit larceny, and drug possession. Felonies include grand larceny, robbery, and serious drug offenses. The Virginia General Assembly defines these offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses).
Prince William County court information: Prince William County General District Court website.
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 cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at General District Court: First court appearance where charges are formally read. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Prosecution must share evidence (discovery).
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings determine if case proceeds to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. For misdemeanors, you can appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended | 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+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum for distribution |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
In Prince William County, our former prosecutor attorneys understand how local Commonwealth’s Attorneys build cases and what arguments persuade Prince William County judges.
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
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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
Prince William County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable outcome (98% favorable outcome rate). These results include assault, drug possession, theft, and DUI cases resolved at Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent clients throughout 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
(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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer | Prince William County DUI Lawyer
Attorney profile: Kristen M. Fisher
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.