Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2-95), carries 1 to 10 years imprisonment, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build case-specific defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court information, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment in GDC: Enter a plea. The court sets a trial date for not guilty pleas.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions, such as to suppress evidence.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): In GDC, a judge determines if probable cause exists to send a felony case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor bench trial in GDC or felony jury trial in Circuit Court. Negotiated plea agreements are common.
- Sentencing & Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, criminal penalties are set by Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, and felonies carrying years of imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for 3rd+ offense |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Alexandria Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. With a documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide and a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%, the firm brings substantial resources to Alexandria criminal cases. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to handling local court procedures with extensive legal knowledge.
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 for Alexandria Area
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions achieved through negotiation and trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). As a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria, we represent clients in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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: 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 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?
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 (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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 (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Arlington County. In Alexandria, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher or visit our Arlington location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.