Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 means up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Prince William County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months/$2,500) and Class 2 (up to 6 months/$1,000). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). Specific crimes have their own statutes: assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and drug possession (§ 18.2-250).
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Prince William County court information: Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Appear at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas) to enter plea. Misdemeanor trials typically 4-8 weeks later.
- Preliminary hearing for felonies: Felony cases have preliminary hearings in GDC within 21-60 days to determine probable cause before moving to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court proceedings: Felony jury trials occur in Prince William County Circuit Court. You have absolute right to jury trial for any offense carrying jail time.
- Sentencing and appeals: Sentencing follows conviction. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court. Expungement petitions for acquittals/dismissals filed in Circuit Court.
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 fine; Class 6 felony 1-5 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment impact |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 1-year suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP |
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. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
In Prince William County, our attorneys have handled 141 criminal cases with 118 dismissed/not guilty outcomes. We understand the local court procedures, judges, and prosecution strategies.
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 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, 1 other favorable outcome. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Prince William County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent clients throughout 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
(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 | 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 guidance.