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, while felonies can mean years in prison. 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 March.
Criminal Charges in Prince William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with specific penalties defined in state statutes. Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Court procedures and filing information are available through the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Procedures
Prince William County General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas handles all initial criminal proceedings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases, while defendants have an absolute right to jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions
- Arraignment where charges are formally read and pleas entered
- Discovery phase where evidence is exchanged between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Trial in General District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies
- Appeal to Circuit Court for jury trial if convicted in GDC
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months and $1,000, while felonies range from 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment impact |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Prince William County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, bringing over 120 years of combined legal experience to Prince William County criminal cases. Our attorneys understand local court procedures, judge preferences, and prosecution strategies specific to Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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 criminal defense results in Prince William County: 118 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 19 charges reduced or amended, with a 98% favorable outcome rate for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts, accessible via major highways throughout Northern Virginia. We provide criminal defense representation near Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, 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 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).
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 and heard at Prince William County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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
For full criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in nearby jurisdictions, our Fairfax County criminal lawyer and Manassas criminal lawyer pages provide locality-specific guidance. For related practice areas in Prince William County, see our Prince William County DUI lawyer and Prince William County family law lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.