Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys know the Prince William County General District Court procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses with jail up to 12 months. Felonies are more serious crimes with prison sentences from 1 year to life. The classification determines which court hears your case and the potential penalties.
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 statute
- Prince William County General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Prince William County Criminal Court Process
Criminal cases in Prince William County begin at the General District Court for misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all cases. You have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Prince William County General District Court to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If not, your case proceeds to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal or Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court or petition for expungement if eligible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Prince William County Criminal Penalties
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification under Virginia law.
| 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, firearm restrictions |
| 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 issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug education program |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Prince William County specifically, we have 141 documented criminal defense results.
Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides. This insight helps us identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop effective defense strategies.
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 similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). We represent clients throughout the Prince William County area including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
Criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County courthouse. 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 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Lawyer – Statewide criminal defense
- Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer – Nearby jurisdiction
- Prince William County DUI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – 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.