Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Manassas General District Court, with firm-wide experience across 4,739+ documented case results. Our former prosecutor insight helps build strong defenses against assault, theft, drug, and DUI charges.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in Manassas General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Manassas Circuit Court for jury trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to protect your rights.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process
Manassas General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: At Manassas GDC (9311 Lee Avenue), you enter a plea and receive a trial date.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are also in GDC.
- Circuit Court (if applicable): Felony jury trials move to Manassas Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Circuit Court (from GDC) or Court of Appeals.
Manassas Criminal Penalties
In Manassas, criminal charges carry penalties from 6 months to 10+ years incarceration, depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Experience in Manassas Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Manassas. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who provides insight into how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases. Firm-wide, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%.
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
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We represent clients throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
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 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, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Manassas, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from court records and statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.