
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 prosecutors provide full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI charges heard at Manassas General District Court. We protect your rights and aim for dismissals, reductions, or acquittals.
A criminal charge in Manassas requires immediate action to protect your future. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, is the most serious misdemeanor level. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand insight into case construction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures and location, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process
The 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.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You formally hear charges and enter a plea at Manassas GDC.
- Pre-Trial and Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions, such as to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
- Resolution: Your case may resolve through a plea agreement, dismissal, or trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges 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 to 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Why Choose Our Manassas Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who provide insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases. We focus on a case-specific approach for each client in Manassas.
Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia. A former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, Ms. Fisher prosecutes diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. She joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 and focuses on 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
SRIS actively practices in Manassas — firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or acquitted.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Serving Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. As a criminal defense lawyer near Manassas National Battlefield Park, we serve the Manassas area and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In Manassas, we handle related matters such as DUI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.