Facing criminal charges in Alexandria? Under Va. Code Title 18.2, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Arson Lawyer Alexandria can help protect your rights and future. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is primarily codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full set of statutes defines offenses ranging from petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96) to murder. The classification of an offense — misdemeanor or felony — determines the potential penalties, the court where your case is heard, and your procedural rights. Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Alexandria Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals from the lower court. An Arson Lawyer Alexandria understands these distinctions and how they apply to your specific charges.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined legal experience across the firm, our attorneys bring deep knowledge of Virginia criminal procedure to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to shaping Virginia law.
For the official text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Commission website (law.lis.virginia.gov). For information about Alexandria General District Court procedures and schedules, consult the official court website (vacourts.gov).
At Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor), prosecutors routinely handle high-volume dockets. This creates opportunities for strategic negotiation before trial. The court’s location in a busy urban jurisdiction means cases move quickly — often within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanor trials.
- Initial Consultation: Contact an Arson Lawyer Alexandria immediately after arrest or when you learn of charges. Early involvement preserves options.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Alexandria.
- Discovery Review: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery before trial. These can resolve cases without a trial.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for reduced charges or dismissal. If no acceptable offer exists, prepare for trial in General District Court.
- Post-Trial Options: If convicted in GDC, you have an absolute right to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
In Alexandria, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to significant prison 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Criminal record, potential for first-offender program |
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape Virginia law at the highest level.
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases — and how to challenge them effectively.
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
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, who brings former prosecutor experience and a background in accounting and information systems to complex criminal cases. Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service, provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards.
SRIS actively practices in Alexandria. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In one notable federal case at Alexandria US District Court, SRIS secured a disposition of 3 days incarceration with termination of probation upon release for four counts of probation violation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are accessible via major highways — contact the office for specific directions.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria? We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Alexandria. Secured bond is typical for felonies.
Bond can be appealed to Alexandria General District Court. Bail bondsman charges approximately 10% for secured bonds. Public defender eligibility is based on income. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record.
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 Alexandria?
Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria 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. Alexandria General District Court is located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320.
Learn more about our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer services. For nearby localities, see our Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer page. For related practice areas in Alexandria, visit our Alexandria DUI Lawyer and Alexandria Family Law Lawyer pages.
View our attorney profile: Kristen Fisher. Visit our Arlington location page for directions and appointment scheduling.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.