Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies carrying years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation at Manassas General District Court, with firm-wide experience across 4,739+ documented case results. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand local procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Virginia Code defines specific elements for each offense, from assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to theft (Va. Code § 18.2-95).
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. His background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in complex financial cases.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute database.
- Manassas General District Court website — court information, forms, and contact details.
Manassas Court Process
Manassas General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes cases.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Manassas Adult Detention Center. The magistrate sets bond conditions. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Manassas General District Court: Formally hear the charges at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports sending the case to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For GDC convictions, you have 10 days to appeal to Manassas Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal penalties follow Virginia sentencing guidelines, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while felonies can result in years of imprisonment.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment barriers |
| Grand Larceny (≥$1,000) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Manassas Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Manassas. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of the courtroom. Firm-wide, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 Manassas and Beyond
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices in Manassas courts. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissals, reductions, or not guilty verdicts).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We represent individuals throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Manassas, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Manassas 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. 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 Manassas?
Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas 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. Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — serving neighboring locality.
- Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area in Manassas.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile — former prosecutor on our team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.