In Prince William County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County, including 118 dismissals. Former prosecutors on staff.
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Prince William County
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felonies 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. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
External Citation Links
Review the official statutes and court resources for Prince William County criminal cases:
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Prince William County General District Court (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Prince William County Court
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond.
- Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- Appeal to Circuit Court if needed for a jury trial de novo.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification of the charge.
| 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extension | Criminal record, possible vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Prince William County Criminal Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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 outcome — a 98% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Presence in Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via major highways in the region.
Searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County? We serve all communities in the area.
Neighborhoods served: Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Prince William County
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).
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 marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~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 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 in Prince William County
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Prince William County
- Divorce and Family Law Lawyer in Prince William County
- Personal Injury Lawyer in Prince William County
- Reckless Driving Lawyer in Prince William County
Nearby Localities We Serve
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.