Prince William County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced. Former prosecutors on staff.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Review the official Virginia statutes at Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Prince William County General District Court website for court procedures and forms.
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before the magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment at Prince William County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge in General District Court or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal within 10 days of the verdict.
In Prince William County, criminal penalties range from Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felony (1-5 years).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, 1 other favorable — a 98% favorable outcome rate. Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, contributes her prosecution experience to criminal defense strategy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Prince William County courts via I-66 and Route 28. We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Find a criminal lawyer near Prince William County. Serving Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan.
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What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at Prince William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. 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. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 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?
Yes. Criminal charges in Prince William County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. See also Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer. Related practice areas: DUI Lawyer Prince William County and Divorce Lawyer Prince William County.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher — former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.