Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Alexandria, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at Alexandria General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, while felony trials occur in Alexandria Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and local rules for Alexandria are published by the Alexandria General District Court.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Alexandria Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions.
- Initial Appearance: Arraignment at Alexandria GDC where charges are read, rights explained, and bond conditions set.
- Secure Counsel: Consult with a defense attorney. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
- Discovery Review: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney to identify weaknesses.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or seek alternative dispositions like first offender programs.
- Trial or Resolution: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or demand a jury trial in Alexandria Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Alexandria
In Alexandria, criminal penalties are set by Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while felonies range from 1 to 10 years or more 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 | 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, court discretion, and defense strategy.
Filing fees and bonds: Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Firm Credentials in Alexandria Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 Alexandria
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 results do not aim for a similar outcome. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Local Criminal Defense Service in Alexandria
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Alexandria courts. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town area. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are 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
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Arlington County. If you are facing other charges in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer or Alexandria Family Law Lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.