In Prince William County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County, with a 98% favorable outcome rate. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures are governed by the Prince William County General District Court rules and the Virginia Supreme Court.
Insider Knowledge: How Criminal Cases Work in Prince William County
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest or summons issued by law enforcement in Prince William County.
- Initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment in General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court or preliminary hearing for felony charges.
- Appeal to Circuit Court if convicted in General District Court.
In Prince William County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in Prince William County. This insider perspective allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop effective defense strategies.
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 results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome — a 98% favorable outcome rate. These results demonstrate the firm’s effectiveness in Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). The court is accessible via major highways in Northern Virginia. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Prince William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and $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 are heard at Prince William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. 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.
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. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William County General District Court. Public defender eligibility is based on income.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Prince William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. 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).
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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.