Facing criminal charges in Prince William County? A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County, including 118 dismissals. Contact a Manslaughter Lawyer Prince William County today.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Prince William County
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction. An involuntary manslaughter defense lawyer Prince William County can explain how these classifications apply to your specific situation.
External Citation Links
Review the official Virginia statutes governing criminal offenses: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and Prince William County General District Court.
Insider Procedural Edge for Prince William County
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours for incarcerated defendants.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews police reports and evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in GDC for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial if convicted in GDC.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. The table below outlines potential consequences for common charges.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). He provides strategic oversight on all criminal defense matters in Prince William County.
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable — a 98% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via major highways. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Looking for a Manslaughter Lawyer Prince William County near you? We are near the Prince William County Courthouse area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at Prince William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. 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-offender programs may also lead to dismissal and expungement.
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 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?
Yes. Criminal charges in Prince William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Related Practice Areas
Explore our related legal services: DUI/DWI Lawyer Prince William County, Divorce and Family Law Lawyer Prince William County, and Personal Injury Lawyer Prince William County.
Also serving nearby localities: Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer, Manassas Criminal Lawyer, and Falls Church Criminal Lawyer.
Return to our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub.
Freshness and Verification
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.