Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2 with penalties up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended. Spring break often brings increased arrests for public intoxication, underage drinking, and possession in Prince William County.
Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, covering offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. In Prince William County, cases begin at Prince William County General District Court for misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information: Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Prince William County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Discovery review and pretrial motions to challenge evidence.
- Trial in General District Court or plea negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court if convicted in GDC.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration under Va. Code Title 18.2.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 5 Felony | Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record |
| Class 6 Felony | Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience with firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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 in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). Criminal defense lawyer near Prince William County and surrounding communities.
We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan and the Prince William County area.
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 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
For Virginia criminal defense information: Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. For nearby localities: Fairfax County criminal lawyer and Manassas criminal lawyer. For related practice areas in Prince William County: Prince William County DUI lawyer and Prince William County family lawyer.
Attorney profile: Bryan Block profile.