Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia
Manassas criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail) to felonies with prison time; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our former prosecutors understand Commonwealth’s Attorney strategies at Manassas General District Court. We provide full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases in Manassas.
Criminal defense in Manassas requires knowledge of local court procedures and prosecutor approaches at the Manassas General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 19.2-295.1). Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment. The Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Manassas Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Manassas General District Court website — court information and procedures
Manassas Criminal Court Process
Manassas General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance before magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination
- Arraignment at Manassas General District Court to enter plea and request discovery
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations with Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Trial preparation for bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court
- Trial proceeding or acceptance of negotiated plea agreement
- Sentencing or appeal to Manassas Circuit Court if convicted
Manassas Criminal Penalties
In Manassas, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment impact |
| Marijuana Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Experience in Manassas Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Manassas criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand local court procedures and Commonwealth’s Attorney strategies.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 with 75% litigation focus. Represents clients in Maryland and Virginia state 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
Manassas Criminal Defense 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 Manassas criminal defense practice handles assault, theft, drug possession, DUI, and other criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66, Route 28, and Route 234. We represent clients throughout the Manassas area and surrounding communities.
Criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park and Historic Downtown Manassas.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(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 — state hub page
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Manassas Family Law Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Fairfax Office Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.