Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia criminal law is defined by Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes offenses from assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to petit larceny (§ 18.2-96). The classification determines the penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail), Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 6 months), Class 5 felony (1-10 years), and Class 6 felony (1-5 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases in Manassas.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court information, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process for Criminal Cases
Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Arraignment: You appear in Manassas GDC, enter a plea, and request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Pre-trial: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Hearing: For misdemeanors, trial is in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there’s probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court (if applicable): Felony cases proceed to Manassas Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court. Expungement may be available for acquittals or dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Experience in Manassas Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “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 Manassas
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 Manassas General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Service in Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. 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: (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
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas: Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In Manassas, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.