Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The specific statute defines each crime.
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 combines over 120 years of legal experience.
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process
Manassas General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Manassas General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule future hearings.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Manassas Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Manassas Circuit Court for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely |
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 many first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond is typical for felonies, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%. Public defender eligibility is based on income. A court-appointed attorney fee ranges from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Case Results
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. SRIS actively practices in Manassas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Manassas Defense
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue). The office is 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
(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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas: Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In Manassas, we handle related matters: Manassas DUI/DWI lawyer and Manassas reckless driving lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.