Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results with 93%+ favorable outcomes in Alexandria. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand Alexandria General District Court procedures at 520 King Street.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). Alexandria cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria General District Court for misdemeanors or Alexandria Circuit Court for felonies.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia criminal statutes
- Alexandria General District Court website — court information and procedures
Alexandria Criminal Court Process
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 520 King Street. The Alexandria Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing — Appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry — Formally hear charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Alexandria General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing — Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or plea negotiation — Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or appeal — Receive sentence if convicted or appeal to Alexandria Circuit Court for jury trial.
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months/$1,000, and felonies from 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with 93%+ favorable outcomes firm-wide. Our Alexandria criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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
Alexandria Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Alexandria criminal defense attorneys actively practice at Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us for directions and appointment scheduling.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Alexandria. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). 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 Alexandria?
Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria 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. Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — primary attorney
- Arlington Location — our serving location
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.