Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Alexandria City.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this detailed statutory knowledge to build case-specific defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For Alexandria court procedures and information, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, where successful completion results in dismissal.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Request personal recognizance release for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges at Alexandria General District Court. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all defense options.
- Discovery & Motions: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File suppression motions if constitutional violations exist.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): Challenge probable cause for felony charges before a judge in General District Court.
- Trial or Negotiation: Evaluate plea offers against trial risks. Prepare for jury trial in Circuit Court if charges carry jail time.
- Sentencing or Expungement: Present mitigation evidence if convicted. File expungement petition for dismissals or acquittals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to over a decade in prison for serious felonies, with specific classifications under Virginia law.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum for distribution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, prior record, and court discretion.
Experience in Alexandria Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Alexandria. The firm’s approach combines former prosecutorial insight with a former Virginia State Trooper’s understanding of police procedure. This experience is applied to achieve documented results for clients facing charges in Alexandria General District and Circuit Courts.
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 for Alexandria Area Clients
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts, including Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street. We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). 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 Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Alexandria. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). 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 Alexandria?
Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria 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. Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Arlington County. If you are facing other charges in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria DUI/DWI lawyer or Alexandria family law lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.