Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1 or 2) and felonies (Class 1 through 6). Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this experience to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Prince William County Court Process
The criminal process in Prince William County follows specific steps in two courts. Misdemeanors stay in General District Court, while felonies move to Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Appear at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, to enter a plea.
- Preliminary hearing for felonies: Held in GDC within 21-60 days to determine probable cause for Circuit Court.
- Misdemeanor trial or felony transfer: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felonies bound over proceed to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court proceedings: Felony jury trials and appeals happen at Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Post-disposition options: Explore expungement for acquittals/dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 2 up to 6 months/$1,000, Class 5 felony 1-10 years, Class 6 felony 1-5 years.
| 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 typically | 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 | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years (or 12 months if treated as misdemeanor) | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Prince William County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to Prince William County criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has a documented record of 141 results in this locality. Our approach is case-specific, drawing on former prosecutorial insight into how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases. This local experience informs our defense strategy from the first court date.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
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 in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome. These results reflect our work in Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County and the Manassas area. We represent clients from 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
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer – Statewide defense hub
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney 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.