Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Manassas, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Manassas General District Court, with firm-wide experience handling 4,739+ documented case results. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand local procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more) are heard in Manassas Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in General District Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years, providing a case-specific approach for each client in Manassas.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, including forms and hours, refer to the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process and Defense Strategy
Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible charges, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Manassas Adult Detention Center for bond determination. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Manassas General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule a trial date, typically within 4-8 weeks.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial before a judge in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence. You have the right to appeal to Manassas Circuit Court for a new trial before a jury.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines and probation to years of incarceration, depending on the classification and specific statute violated.
| 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 under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts, criminal history, and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman (approximately 10% fee), is standard for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445 or more for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to cases in Manassas. We maintain a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
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 and Client Outcomes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, charge reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas. We serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
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 Manassas, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Manassas 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. 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 Manassas?
Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas 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. Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in Manassas.
Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Our Fairfax Location – Details about our office serving Manassas.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.