
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
In Prince William County, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with years of incarceration; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County with 118 dismissals or not guilty verdicts. Our former prosecutors understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in your local court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Prince William County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more) are Class 5 or 6 felonies with prison sentences of 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation in Prince William County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Prince William County are available at the 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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance: See a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges and enter a plea at Prince William County General District Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas.
- Discovery Review: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Motion Filing: File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you may appeal to Prince William County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Prince William County
In Prince William County, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years in prison for felonies, with specific consequences for each classification under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent theft record |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service, anger management |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse treatment, felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Experience in Prince William County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases in Prince William County. We focus on case-specific approaches to achieve the best possible results for each client.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. Represents clients in Prince William County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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 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, and 1 other favorable outcome — a 98% favorable outcome rate for clients in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent individuals throughout the Prince William County area and surrounding communities including Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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 overview, see our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby jurisdictions, consult our Fairfax County criminal lawyer or Manassas criminal lawyer. For related practice areas in Prince William County, see Prince William County DUI lawyer or Prince William County family lawyer. Learn more about 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.
