Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defines offenses prosecuted in Manassas. The Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. More serious felony jury trials are conducted in the Manassas Circuit Court. The statutory framework provides specific penalties and procedures, including expungement rights under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for certain case outcomes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process for Criminal Cases
The criminal process in Manassas begins with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. Your first court date will be an arraignment at the Manassas General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials. For felony charges, the GDC conducts a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to the Manassas Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: After arrest, a magistrate sets a bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: At Manassas GDC, you formally hear charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions. Negotiations with the prosecutor occur.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor bench trials happen in GDC. Felonies move to Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC decision to the Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal penalties are defined by Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, and felonies carrying potential state prison sentences.
| 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely if suspended for DUI |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and court discretion.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Manassas
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of Manassas court procedures.
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
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
Case Results for Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented criminal case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our service areas. While we actively represent clients in Manassas, this statistic reflects our collective experience in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our results include dismissals, charge reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and the historic downtown area. We serve the Manassas community and surrounding neighborhoods. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are 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 more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Manassas, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.