Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Common charges in Prince William County include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases with direct knowledge of local court procedures.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Prince William County General District Court website — court information and procedures
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: Your first court date where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial Conference: Your attorney meets with the prosecutor to discuss evidence and potential resolutions.
- Motion Hearing: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal grounds.
- Trial: Either a bench trial before a judge in General District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You can appeal a General District Court conviction to Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent theft record |
| 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 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years of law enforcement experience and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher. Combined, our attorneys have over 120 years of legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We provide full representation for Prince William County criminal cases with direct knowledge of local court procedures.
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 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 — a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Prince William County clients.
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
Phone: (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).
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer — neighboring locality
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer — related practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile — former prosecutor
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.