Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Prince William County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Review 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 Criminal Court Process
Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas handles initial proceedings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Prince William County General District Court to enter plea.
- Discovery review and pretrial motions to challenge evidence.
- Trial in General District Court or plea negotiation.
- Circuit Court proceedings for felony jury trials if applicable.
- Sentencing and explore expungement options if eligible.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry varying penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with assault and battery under § 18.2-57 as Class 1 misdemeanors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective orders, employment issues |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft record, difficulty finding employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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
Prince William County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable outcome (98% favorable outcome rate). These results reflect our experience with Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts, accessible via major highways. 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).
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview: Virginia Criminal Lawyer. For nearby criminal defense: Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer and Manassas Criminal Lawyer. For related Prince William County services: Prince William County DUI Lawyer and Prince William County Family Lawyer.
Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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.