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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from misdemeanors like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny, carrying penalties from 12 months in jail to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes for Alexandria clients facing charges at the Alexandria General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2-95), carries 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court procedures and forms, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The prosecution must show probable cause for the case to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Trial: Misdemeanor bench trials occur in GDC; felony jury trials are held in Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $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 | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Mandatory minimum for certain weights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and defense strategy.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alexandria Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher, providing insider perspectives on police procedures and prosecution strategies. We maintain a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
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).
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria 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 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.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent individuals throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Arlington County. In Alexandria, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance specific to your Alexandria case.