Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 18.2-11 to felonies with years of incarceration; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients facing prosecution at Alexandria General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Alexandria General District Court website — court information and procedures.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Alexandria cases are held at Alexandria General District Court located at 520 King Street. Felony jury trials and appeals from GDC decisions proceed to Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Alexandria General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Review evidence provided by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if applicable.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately for misdemeanors. You have the right to appeal to Alexandria Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Alexandria
In Alexandria, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500* | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Our case approach is informed by direct knowledge of prosecution strategies and courtroom procedures.
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
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Defense Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
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). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes
Can criminal charges be expunged in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes
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. 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
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. Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
