Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Manassas, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Manassas General District Court, with firm-wide experience across 4,739+ documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more) are more serious. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases in Manassas.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit 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 Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases here. For felony charges, the case may proceed to Manassas Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Manassas General District Court for bond determination. First-offense misdemeanors often receive personal recognizance release.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This is your opportunity to request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review all evidence the Commonwealth’s Attorney intends to use. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial before a judge in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigating evidence at sentencing. You have the right to appeal any conviction to the Manassas Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors reaching 12 months jail and felonies carrying 1-10 years or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Value $1,000+) | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case details, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We maintain a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. We actively practice in Manassas General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. As a criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park, we serve 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: (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
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.