Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defining offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. In Prince William County, cases begin at the Prince William County General District Court for misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all criminal cases in the jurisdiction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Prince William County court procedures.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – Official Virginia statute database
- Prince William County General District Court – Court website with forms and procedures
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 court operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Felony jury trials proceed to Prince William County Circuit Court.
- 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 at General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas).
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Appeal to Circuit Court: If convicted in GDC, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Prince William County Circuit Court within 10 days.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| 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 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record, immigration consequences |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Substance abuse assessment, probation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Bond amounts are set by magistrates at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman charging approximately 10% of the bond amount. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Our Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Prince William County specifically, we have 141 documented criminal defense results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, and 1 other favorable outcome (98% favorable outcome rate).
Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to criminal defense in Prince William County. We maintain detailed knowledge of local court procedures, judge preferences, and prosecutor strategies at Prince William County General District Court.
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 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, and 1 other favorable outcome. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Prince William County criminal defense practice.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Serving Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via major highways throughout Northern Virginia. As a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County, we represent clients 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer – Statewide criminal defense hub
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer – Nearby locality with similar procedures
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer – Related practice area in same locality
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney
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.