Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies with specific penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Prince William County prosecutes these cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, with hearings at the Prince William County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings accounting and information systems background to complex financial cases. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC jurisdictions.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For Prince William County court information: Prince William County General District Court website (.gov domain).
Prince William County Criminal Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Your first court date at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas). You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court before a judge. Felony preliminary hearings determine probable cause before transfer to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Prince William County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felony 1-10 years, with assault and battery under § 18.2-57 as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
| 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 |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings combined 120+ years of legal experience to Prince William County criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across multiple states. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with direct insight into prosecution strategies and police 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
Prince William County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal case results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty verdicts, 19 reduced or amended charges, and 1 other favorable outcome — a 98% favorable outcome rate for Prince William County cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We represent clients throughout Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County General District Court. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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?
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%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
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) 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. Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia criminal defense lawyer |
Fairfax County criminal lawyer |
Prince William County DUI lawyer |
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 legal guidance.
