Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and can create a permanent record affecting employment and housing.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries 1 to 10 years in prison. The Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for the city.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the full text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court-specific information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process for Criminal Cases
The Manassas General District Court process begins with an arraignment where you enter a plea. The court offers first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Manassas Adult Detention Center for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Manassas GDC: Enter a plea of not guilty at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230 to preserve trial rights.
- Review Discovery and File Motions: Request all police reports and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Consider First Offender Program: Apply for deferred disposition if eligible under § 19.2-303.2.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial or negotiate a charge reduction.
- Appeal or Expungement: Appeal to Manassas Circuit Court or file for expungement if charges dismissed.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 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+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
| Possession of Schedule I/II Drug (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug conviction, mandatory minimum for distribution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Manassas Criminal Defense?
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 maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to every Manassas 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
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
Case Results in Manassas and Northern Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Manassas General District Court, achieving dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We represent individuals throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities. Contact us 24/7 for phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Manassas, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Manassas 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. 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 Manassas?
Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas 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. Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Manassas, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.