Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine per Va. Code § 18.2-11; felonies bring 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutors understand how Commonwealth’s Attorneys build cases.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors (less serious) or felonies (more serious). Misdemeanors include assault, petit larceny under $1,000, and disorderly conduct. Felonies include grand larceny ($1,000+), malicious wounding, and drug distribution. Each classification carries specific penalties defined in the Virginia Code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Review the actual Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Prince William County court procedures: Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance at Prince William County General District Court for arraignment
- Request discovery from Commonwealth’s Attorney for police reports and evidence
- Evaluate defense options: constitutional violations, witness issues, procedural errors
- Consider pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss for lack of probable cause
- Negotiate plea or prepare for trial before judge in GDC or jury in Circuit Court
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal convictions carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; assault and battery under § 18.2-57 is Class 1 misdemeanor.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, prison time |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Possible first offender program |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Former Prosecutors Defending Prince William County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our team includes former Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who prosecuted cases in Maryland District and Circuit Courts before joining our firm in 2010. With 120+ years of combined legal experience, we understand how prosecutors build cases from both sides of the courtroom.
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
Prince William County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, 1 other favorable outcome—98% favorable outcome rate for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent residents 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
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate)
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. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate)
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. 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 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 (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. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
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. Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information: Virginia Criminal Lawyer hub page. Nearby criminal defense: Fairfax County criminal lawyer and Manassas criminal lawyer. Related Prince William County legal services: Prince William County DUI lawyer and Prince William County family lawyer. View attorney profile: Kristen Fisher former prosecutor.
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.