Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 18.2-11 to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide experience with 4,739+ documented case results. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients facing charges at the Alexandria General District Court. By appointment only.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and 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 a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95) are more serious. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). The Alexandria General District Court website provides local forms, rules, and contact information.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Alexandria charges occur at the Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street. Felony jury trials and appeals happen at Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You appear in Alexandria General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or rights violations.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer discusses the case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction, dismissal, or favorable plea agreement.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing followed by a Circuit Court jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: After a finding of guilt, the judge imposes sentence. You have the right to appeal a GDC decision to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Alexandria Criminal Charges
In Alexandria, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to years in prison. A Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-20 years* | Up to $2,500* | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
*Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months plus $2,500 at jury discretion). Class 6 felony: 1-5 years. Results may vary.
Firm Credentials in Alexandria
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We maintain a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a case-specific approach for Alexandria clients.
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 Alexandria Area
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved without jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Near Alexandria, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town area. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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.
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Alexandria are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Arlington County. In Alexandria, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. Learn more about Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.