
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 results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients facing prosecution at Alexandria General District Court (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 Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment. Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, with Circuit Court handling felony jury trials.
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 procedures and contact information
Alexandria Criminal Court Process
Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street handles all initial criminal proceedings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination
- Arraignment at Alexandria General District Court to enter plea
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with prosecution
- Bench trial in GDC or plea negotiation with Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Sentencing or appeal to Alexandria Circuit Court within 10 days
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 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+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results with 93%+ favorable outcomes. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand both sides of criminal cases.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience in both District and Circuit Courts. She joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 and focuses 75% of her practice on litigation. Bar admissions: Maryland, Virginia.
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — attorney background
- Arlington Law Office Location — office information
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.