Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, with cases prosecuted at the Manassas General District Court on Lee Avenue.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2, defines offenses prosecuted in Manassas. Misdemeanors are classified from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 4. Felonies range from Class 6 to Class 1. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes these cases, which are heard at the Manassas General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and the Manassas Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute.
- Manassas General District Court Website — Court information and procedures.
Manassas Court Process for Criminal Cases
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 all appeals from GDC. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available, with successful completion resulting in dismissal.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Manassas GDC: Formally hear charges and enter a plea at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Plea Agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or accept a negotiated plea.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. Felonies move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500.
| 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 | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
| 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 statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Manassas
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. Firm-wide, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to cases in Manassas and across Virginia.
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 criminal defense in Manassas. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, 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: (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.
- Manassas DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — Learn more about your attorney.
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.