
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
Manassas criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to felonies carrying years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Manassas General District Court, with firm-wide experience across 4,739+ documented case results. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and disorderly conduct. Felonies include grand larceny ($1,000+ threshold), drug distribution, and violent crimes. The Manassas Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Manassas General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held in Manassas Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, forms, and procedures for Manassas are available at the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process
Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Prosecutors in Manassas routinely offer first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants, which can result in dismissal upon successful completion.
- Appear for arraignment at Manassas General District Court and enter a not guilty plea.
- Request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to review all evidence.
- Evaluate options: trial, plea negotiation, or diversion programs like first offender.
- Prepare for trial with witness preparation and pre-trial motions.
- If convicted, explore appeal options to Manassas Circuit Court within 10 days.
- After case resolution, file for expungement if eligible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal penalties range from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can result in 1-10 years or more.
| 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 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 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+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum for distribution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Manassas Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm 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 criminal proceedings.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience in both District and Circuit Courts. She joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 and focuses 75% of her practice on litigation, representing clients in Maryland and Virginia courts.
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 Manassas
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Manassas General District Court and have successfully resolved cases through dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We represent individuals throughout Manassas and surrounding communities. Contact us 24/7 for phone consultations at (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 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
For Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer pages. In Manassas, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.