Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
In Prince William County, even misdemeanor convictions create a permanent record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years. The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this legal knowledge to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Prince William County General District Court website — court information and procedures
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. Felony jury trials occur in Prince William County Circuit Court. Virginia’s speedy trial rights require misdemeanor trials within 5 months of arrest.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Appear at 9311 Lee Avenue to enter a plea. Misdemeanor trials typically occur 4-8 weeks later.
- Preliminary hearing for felonies: Held in GDC within 21-60 days to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case moves to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court proceedings: Felony jury trials occur in Prince William County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial.
- Explore first offender programs: Under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, these may lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Consider expungement after favorable outcome: For acquittals or dismissals, file an expungement petition in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand both sides of criminal cases. Global advocacy. Local precision. We focus on Prince William County courts and 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
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 — a 98% favorable outcome rate for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County and the surrounding communities of 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 Resources
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer — state hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer — nearby locality
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
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.