Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from misdemeanors like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny, carrying penalties from 12 months in jail to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients by appointment only.
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault, 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, carries 1 to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a prosecutor’s insight to building your defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Alexandria General District Court website.
How Alexandria General District Court Handles Criminal Cases
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings occur at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street). Felony jury trials move to Alexandria Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge with potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, hear the formal charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: If incarcerated, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The prosecution must show probable cause for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC, a jury trial in Circuit Court, or is resolved through plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Alexandria, criminal penalties range from 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor to 1-10 years for a Class 5 felony, with fines up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $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 | Mandatory minimum 10 days for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Possible first-offender program |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alexandria Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. combines over 120 years of attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into how cases are built and challenged. Firm-wide, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We serve Alexandria from our Arlington location.
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
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).
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.
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.
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 visible to employers.
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.
Case Results for Alexandria Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Arlington County criminal defense. In Alexandria, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.