Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by statute. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail) and Class 2 (up to 6 months). Felonies include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Alexandria General District Court website
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Appear for arraignment at Alexandria General District Court and enter a plea.
- Review all discovery materials provided by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if applicable.
- Engage in plea negotiations or prepare for a bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Alexandria
In Alexandria, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across our documented case history. 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. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria for assistance.
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 Services
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.