Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Manassas, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Our former prosecutor, Kristen M. Fisher, provides direct defense at Manassas General District Court. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Manassas General District Court located at 9311 Lee Avenue.
Virginia Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Va. Code Title 18.2, defines offenses and penalties. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Felonies are classified from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment or death). The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory framework to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process and Local Insight
The Manassas General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for the city. Felony jury trials and appeals are conducted in the Manassas Circuit Court. Virginia provides an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Manassas GDC to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and may file pre-trial motions.
- Resolution: Most cases resolve through plea negotiation. If not, a bench trial is held in GDC.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal to Manassas Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to decades in prison for serious felonies, as defined by Va. Code Title 18.2.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6/5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials and Local Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Manassas. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen M. Fisher, who provides direct insight into local prosecution strategies. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep engagement with state law.
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
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While we actively practice in Manassas, this figure represents our firm’s extensive experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. As a criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown, we serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are 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 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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Manassas are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Manassas General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. 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.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in Manassas.
Attorney Kristen M. Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.