Facing criminal charges in Prince William County? 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 141 documented results in Prince William County, with a 98% favorable outcome rate. A Carjacking Lawyer Prince William County can build your defense today.
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Prince William County
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all cases at the Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. A Carjacking Lawyer Prince William County understands these classifications and how they apply to your specific charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
External Citation Links
For the official Virginia criminal code, visit Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For the Prince William County General District Court, visit Prince William County General District Court (official Virginia Courts website).
Insider Procedural Edge for Prince William County Criminal Cases
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. Your case typically proceeds from arraignment to trial within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors.
- Step 1: Arrest and Initial Appearance — A magistrate sets bond at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Step 2: Arraignment — You enter a plea at the General District Court. The court sets a trial date within 4-8 weeks.
- Step 3: Discovery and Motion Practice — Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Step 4: Trial or Plea Negotiation — The Commonwealth’s Attorney may offer a plea agreement. You have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Step 5: Sentencing or Appeal — If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately. Appeals go to Prince William County Circuit Court.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to significant jail time, depending on the classification.
| 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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 results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, and 1 other favorable — a 98% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to every case. She joined the firm in 2010 and focuses 75% of her practice on litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Prince William County Location
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
Local Presence in Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via major highways. We serve the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. If you need a carjacking charge defense lawyer Prince William County, contact us today.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — 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. 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.
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to the 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.
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.
Internal Links
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Prince William County DUI Lawyer — Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — Fairfax Office Location
Freshness and Verification
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.