Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William County criminal charges are prosecuted at Prince William County General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County with 118 dismissed/not guilty outcomes. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense strategies for misdemeanors and felonies. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for consultation by appointment.
Criminal Charges in Prince William County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines, while Class 5 felonies can result in 1-10 years imprisonment. The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases at the General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Prince William County court information, visit the Prince William County General District Court website.
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas. The Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals. You have an absolute right to jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- After arrest, a magistrate sets bond—personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Your arraignment at Prince William County General District Court establishes plea and trial date.
- Discovery phase: your attorney reviews prosecution evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Misdemeanor trials typically occur within 4-8 weeks; felony preliminary hearings within 21-60 days.
- If bound over for felony trial, the case transfers to Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing follows conviction, though many cases resolve through dismissal or reduction.
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, with felonies ranging from 1-10 years imprisonment depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective orders, employment issues |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days for DUI-related suspension |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
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. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Prince William County court procedures. Former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block provides unique insight into police investigation methods, while former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher offers prosecutorial perspective on case strategy.
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. These results reflect our attorneys’ knowledge of local court procedures and effective defense strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts, accessible via major highways throughout Northern Virginia. We represent individuals in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747—meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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 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. 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
For Virginia criminal defense overview, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby jurisdictions, consult our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Manassas criminal defense lawyer. For related practice areas in Prince William County, see Prince William County DUI lawyer or Prince William County family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
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.