Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses with maximum jail sentences of 12 months. Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by prison time in a state correctional facility.
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes these cases. You have the right to a jury trial in Prince William County Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – Official Virginia criminal statutes from the Virginia General Assembly
- Prince William County General District Court – Official court website with forms, fees, and procedures
Prince William County Criminal Court Process
Prince William County criminal cases follow specific local procedures. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office reviews police reports before filing charges. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal for eligible defendants.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You appear before a magistrate within 24 hours for bond determination at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea at Prince William County General District Court. A not guilty plea preserves all rights and allows for discovery.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney requests all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Pre-trial motions may challenge evidence or seek dismissal.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor bench trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports transfer to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence. Appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court within 10 days for a new trial.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and felonies 1-10 years.
| 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, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment difficulties |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Prince William County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
In Prince William County, we have achieved 141 documented criminal defense results: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable outcome. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how Commonwealth’s Attorneys build cases.
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
Prince William County Criminal Case Results
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. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Prince William County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts, including Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110. We represent clients throughout the Prince William County area and surrounding communities including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County – available 24/7 for phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment only at our Fairfax location.
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 Services
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer – Statewide criminal defense hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer – Criminal defense in neighboring Fairfax County
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer – DUI defense in Prince William County
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Learn more about our former prosecutor
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.