Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can mean years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Spring break often brings increased arrests for public intoxication, underage drinking, and possession in March.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law covers offenses from misdemeanors to felonies defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases at Prince William County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to Prince William County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand understanding of prosecution strategies.
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)
Prince William County Criminal Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and magistrate bond hearing at adult detention center
- First appearance/arraignment at Prince William County General District Court
- Preliminary hearing for felonies within 21-60 days
- Discovery phase and pretrial motions
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony trial in Circuit Court
- Sentencing or first offender program completion
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry varying penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with expungement available for acquittals and dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
| 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 under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record permanent |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience since founding in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating legislative influence. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
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 Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate). These outcomes include assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic-related criminal charges handled at Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal 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
(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). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
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. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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 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 (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. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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. Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer | Prince William County DUI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.