Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth classifies offenses as misdemeanors (Class 1-4) or felonies (Class 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors, including assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carry maximum penalties of 12 months jail and $2,500 fines. Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment, while Class 6 felonies carry 1-5 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense representation grounded in statutory knowledge and courtroom experience.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. Court information, forms, and procedures for Prince William County are available through the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Procedures
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, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Prince William County General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors or negotiate plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence from judge or exercise right to appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses and specific crimes like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective orders, no-contact conditions |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record, employment barriers |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and legal arguments presented.
Experience in Prince William County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense representation. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of law enforcement procedures. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. In Prince William County specifically, we have achieved 141 documented results with 118 dismissals or not guilty verdicts.
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 criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, with 1 other favorable outcome. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for Prince William County criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts, accessible via major highways throughout Northern Virginia. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Prince William County communities including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment only at our Fairfax location.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | (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.
Related Legal Services
For full Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia Criminal Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Fairfax County criminal lawyer or Manassas criminal lawyer services. For related practice areas in Prince William County, explore DUI/DWI defense or family law representation. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from Virginia Code and Prince William County court records. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.