Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while Class 5 felonies can result in 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures for Prince William County are available at the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Criminal Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue in Manassas. The Circuit Court conducts 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 hearing where bond is set
- Initial appearance at Prince William County General District Court
- Preliminary hearing for felony charges within 21-60 days
- Discovery phase and pretrial motions
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony trial in Circuit Court
- Sentencing or appeal options based on outcome
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine, Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Substance abuse assessment |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for certain suspensions |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide.
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 criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, and 1 other favorable outcome—a 98% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
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), accessible via major highways. 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%).
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).
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
For more information about Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Fairfax County criminal lawyer or Manassas criminal lawyer services. For related legal needs in Prince William County, see our DUI/DWI lawyer in Prince William County or family law lawyer in Prince William County. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.