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.
Criminal charges in Manassas require immediate legal action to protect your rights and record.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses tried in General District Court, while felonies are more serious crimes that may be tried in Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases in Manassas.
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 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. The court serves the Manassas area within the Thirty-first Judicial District.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at Manassas General District Court.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review prosecution evidence and file motions to suppress or dismiss if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement, potentially involving first offender programs.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence if convicted or appeal to Manassas Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 2 up to 6 months/$1,000, and felonies from 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 typically | 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 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. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 practices in Manassas courts. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented 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 Representation
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, serving 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 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.