
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
In Manassas, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies carrying years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full criminal defense representation at Manassas General District Court, with firm-wide experience handling 4,739+ documented case results. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local procedures and build strong defenses.
A criminal charge in Manassas requires immediate legal action to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2, defines offenses prosecuted in Manassas. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas handles prosecutions at the Manassas General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings. Felony trials proceed to Manassas Circuit Court. Key statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-57 (assault and battery), § 18.2-96 (petit larceny), and § 46.2-301 (driving on suspended).
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process
Criminal cases in Manassas begin at the General District Court. The process involves arraignment, bond hearing, discovery, and either a plea or trial. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there’s probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate who sets bond. Your first court date is at Manassas General District Court.
- Secure Legal Counsel: Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is available 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
- Case Review & Discovery: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the prosecution.
- Strategy Development: Options include filing motions to suppress evidence, negotiating a plea agreement, or preparing for trial.
- Court Resolution: The case concludes through dismissal, plea, or trial at Manassas General District Court or Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal penalties depend on the offense classification under Virginia law, with misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and felonies carrying 1 year to life 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into both sides of criminal cases.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who prosecuted cases in District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. Focuses on criminal defense, traffic defense, and family law litigation in Maryland and Virginia courts.
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 in Manassas
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively represents clients in Manassas courts. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented criminal case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services
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: (888) 437-7747 | (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
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.
