Criminal charges in Alexandria carry serious penalties — a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11(a) can mean up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. You need a Murder Defense Lawyer Alexandria who knows the local courts.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Murder Defense Lawyer Alexandria must understand the specific statutes that apply to your case, from misdemeanor assault under § 18.2-57 to felony offenses carrying years of prison time. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases in Alexandria, and the penalties depend on the classification of the offense.
For the official text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative information system. For court procedures and local rules, check the Alexandria General District Court website.
- Arraignment: Your first court appearance at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Enter a plea and get your next court date.
- Discovery: Your attorney requests police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth.
- Motion Practice: File suppression motions or dismissal motions before trial. This is where procedural errors get caught.
- Plea Negotiation: The Commonwealth may offer a reduction or diversion. Your attorney evaluates the strength of their case.
- Trial or Appeal: If no deal, trial in GDC. If convicted, appeal to Alexandria Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Alexandria, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to years of incarceration depending on the charge classification.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who bring insider knowledge to every case. Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to criminal defense strategy.
SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Alexandria, our team has secured results including probation violations resolved with minimal incarceration and charges reduced or dismissed.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Looking for a homicide defense lawyer Alexandria or a murder charge defense strategy lawyer Alexandria? We are near the Alexandria Courthouse area.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. 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?
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 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 (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). 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.
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
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- Alexandria Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Arlington Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.