Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 18.2-11 to felonies with years of potential incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation at Alexandria General District Court, with firm-wide experience handling 4,739+ documented case results. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local procedures and can protect your rights.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Alexandria General District Court handles initial proceedings for all criminal cases filed within the city.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). Alexandria court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the Virginia Courts website for Alexandria General District Court.
Alexandria Court Procedures
Alexandria General District Court processes misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 520 King Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Alexandria GDC where charges are formally presented and plea entered.
- Discovery period to review prosecution evidence and identify defense strategies.
- Pre-trial conference to negotiate potential resolutions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors or request for jury trial in Circuit Court for jail-eligible offenses.
Criminal Penalties in Alexandria
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months and $1,000; felonies from 1-10 years depending on classification.
| 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 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 | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed represent maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Alexandria criminal cases. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal proceedings.
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 Alexandria criminal defense practice draws on this extensive experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria or near the Alexandria Courthouse area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — 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 about criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you need defense in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer services. Alexandria residents facing other legal issues may need our Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer or Alexandria family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.