Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Prince William County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Va. Code Title 18.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County General District Court. A strong defense starts with understanding your rights and the specific procedures at 9311 Lee Avenue.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11. Class 2 misdemeanors carry 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Prince William County General District Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Prince William County General District Court
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Step 1: Secure Representation Immediately. Contact a criminal defense lawyer before your first court date. Early intervention allows your attorney to review discovery and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before arraignment.
- Step 2: Attend Your Arraignment. Your first appearance at Prince William County General District Court is where you enter a plea. Do not waive your right to counsel. Your attorney can request a continuance to review the evidence.
- Step 3: Discovery and Motion Practice. Your attorney reviews police reports, witness statements, and body camera footage. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are filed before trial.
- Step 4: Plea Negotiation or Trial. Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. If no acceptable offer, the case proceeds to trial before a judge in General District Court.
- Step 5: Trial and Sentencing. The Commonwealth must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately. You have 10 days to appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Step 6: Expungement (If Eligible). If your case ends in dismissal, nolle prosequi, or acquittal, your attorney files a petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 to clear your record.
In Prince William County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to significant jail time depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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; potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Prince William County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has documented firm-wide 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in Prince William County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the depth of legal knowledge our firm brings to complex criminal matters.
Our team also includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, and Matthew Greene, who brings 30+ years of criminal defense experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on all complex criminal matters.
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome — a 98% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via major highways and serve the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County? Our firm provides full representation for clients facing criminal charges in this jurisdiction.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Prince William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. 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).
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?
It depends. 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. Our firm has 141 documented results in this jurisdiction.
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide practice overview
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby jurisdiction
- Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer — Same courthouse, different locality
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Prince William County Reckless Driving Lawyer — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.