Obstruction of Justice Lawyer Manassas, VA
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. | (888) 437-7747 | Founded 1997 | Admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY | By appointment only Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
You were at your home in Manassas when police officers arrived to question a family member. In the confusion, words were exchanged, and you were accused of obstructing their investigation. Now you face criminal charges in Manassas General District Court. Whether the allegation stems from a misunderstanding, a momentary reaction, or a dispute about your rights, an obstruction of justice charge in Virginia carries immediate and long-term consequences. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent individuals charged with obstruction of justice in Manassas and communities across Northern Virginia. Founded in 1997, the firm brings decades of criminal defense experience to each case, working to protect your record, your freedom, and your reputation. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your obstruction charge in Manassas.
What Obstruction of Justice Means in Manassas
Under Virginia law, obstruction of justice is charged under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it a crime to knowingly obstruct a judge, magistrate, juror, attorney for the Commonwealth, witness, law enforcement officer, or other officer of the court in the performance of their duties. The offense covers a wide range of conduct — from physically interfering with an arrest, to refusing to comply with a lawful order, to providing false identifying information. In Manassas, these cases are heard at the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
Virginia divides obstruction into two levels based on the nature of the conduct. Obstruction without a threat of bodily harm is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the obstruction involves a threat of bodily harm, force, or impersonation of a law enforcement officer, the charge is elevated to a Class 5 felony. A Class 5 felony carries a potential sentence of one to ten years in prison, or, at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction — even for a misdemeanor — creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Because obstruction charges often arise during encounters that are tense or rapidly unfolding, what a person says or does in that moment can be scrutinized carefully. An experienced attorney can examine whether the evidence supports each element of the offense and whether law enforcement’s account is consistent with what actually occurred.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Obstruction Cases in Manassas
When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for an obstruction charge in Manassas, the first step is a thorough review of the facts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the arrest report, body-worn camera footage or other video evidence, witness statements, and any prior interactions with law enforcement. Obstruction cases often turn on whether the defendant’s conduct was truly obstructive or merely assertive. A person who asks why they are being detained or who exercises their right to remain silent is not obstructing an officer; an attorney can argue that the charge overreaches and should be dismissed or amended.
Because Virginia permits plea bargaining under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the firm may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to resolve the matter on terms that minimize the impact on your life. Depending on the facts, it may be possible to secure a dismissal, a reduction to a lesser offense such as disorderly conduct, or a deferred disposition under a first-offender program if you are eligible. If a favorable resolution cannot be reached, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to try the case. They appear regularly in the Manassas General District Court and the Manassas Circuit Court, and they understand the expectations of the judges and prosecutors who handle criminal matters in the Thirty-first Judicial District. Throughout the process, the team keeps you informed of the options and works to achieve favorable outcomes in your case.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor, giving him insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases and where evidentiary weaknesses lie. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who collectively concentrate their practice on criminal defense, bringing a range of backgrounds — including former law enforcement and former prosecution — to each representation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-460, obstruction of justice without a threat is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the obstruction involves a threat of bodily harm, force, or impersonation of a law enforcement officer, the offense is a Class 5 felony, which carries a sentence of one to ten years in prison or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Either conviction results in a permanent criminal record. The specific penalty depends on the facts of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against obstruction of justice charges?
Defense strategies in an obstruction case focus on whether the prosecution can prove each element of the offense. An attorney may challenge the officer’s account by introducing video evidence, witness testimony, or inconsistencies in the police report. If the defendant’s conduct amounted to protected speech — such as asking questions or declining to consent to a search — the charge may be defensible under the First Amendment. Lack of intentional obstruction and de minimis conduct are also potential defenses. In many cases, counsel negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to have the charge reduced or dismissed. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I’m facing obstruction charges in Manassas?
If you are charged with obstruction of justice in Manassas, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the incident with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any evidence you have — such as text messages, videos, or the names of potential witnesses. Do not post about the case on social media. The Manassas General District Court or the Manassas Circuit Court will set a court date, and you should appear unless your attorney advises otherwise. Silence is a right, not an admission. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can obstruction charges be dropped or reduced?
Yes, obstruction charges can be dropped, reduced, or resolved through a deferred disposition depending on the strength of the evidence and your prior record. In Virginia, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may amend an obstruction charge to a lesser offense — such as disorderly conduct — or enter a nolle prosequi if the evidence is insufficient to meet the burdens of proof. A skilled criminal defense lawyer works to show the prosecutor that the state’s case has weaknesses, which frequently leads to a dismissal or reduction. Every case is different; an evaluation of the specific facts determines the trusted path forward.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction of justice charge in Manassas?
Yes, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer for an obstruction charge in Manassas is important because a conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. An attorney can argue that the officer acted outside the scope of lawful duty, that your conduct did not meet the legal definition of obstruction, or that your words were protected speech. A lawyer can also identify procedural defenses, such as an unlawful detention, and negotiate a resolution to keep the offense off your record. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony obstruction in Virginia?
The difference between misdemeanor and felony obstruction in Virginia turns on whether the defendant threatened bodily harm, used force, or impersonated a law enforcement officer. Simple obstruction — such as refusing to follow a lawful order or providing a false name — is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor. Obstruction that involves a threat, physical force, or impersonation is a Class 5 felony. The two levels carry dramatically different penalties: misdemeanor obstruction exposes you to up to 12 months in jail, while felony obstruction can lead to a state prison sentence of one to ten years. A thorough fact investigation by your lawyer can determine whether the felony elevation is appropriate.
Virginia legal resources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) | Manassas General District Court | Virginia Courts
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.