Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Manassas, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Our former prosecutors provide full representation at Manassas General District Court, handling assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases with a case-specific approach.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process
The Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for the city. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases here.
- Arraignment: Appear in court, hear charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and other evidence from the prosecutor.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiation: Your lawyer discusses potential resolutions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to a bench trial before a judge or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you may appeal to Manassas Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Manassas
In Manassas, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| First Offense DUI (Va. Code § 18.2-266) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 1-year suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible 6-month suspension | Drug education, record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Our Experience in Manassas Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide, we provide strong defense representation. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. SRIS actively practices in Manassas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
We serve the Manassas area 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
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Manassas, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Manassas 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 Manassas, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Manassas 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. 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 Manassas?
Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas 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. Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Manassas, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.