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. Cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Manassas General District Court at 9311 Lee Avenue.
Virginia Criminal Law in Manassas
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2, defines offenses and penalties. In Manassas, the Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Manassas Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials. The statutory framework includes specific sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 and expungement provisions under § 19.2-392.2 for qualifying dismissals.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, visit the Manassas General District Court website.
Manassas Court Process for Criminal Cases
The criminal process in Manassas follows specific local procedures. Understanding these steps can impact your case outcome.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. You can request a bond appeal hearing at Manassas General District Court.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at your arraignment date.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court, or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows. If acquitted or dismissed, file an expungement petition in Manassas Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Manassas
In Manassas, criminal penalties range from fines for minor offenses to years of incarceration for felonies, as defined by 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 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; restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; restitution |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Manassas
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to handling Manassas criminal cases with detailed knowledge of local court procedures.
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
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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 for Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented criminal case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While we maintain specific results for client confidentiality, our extensive experience includes successful resolutions for charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies in jurisdictions including Manassas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Manassas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts, accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Manassas National Battlefield Park and throughout the Manassas area. We are available for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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 including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Manassas, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.