
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results with 93%+ favorable outcomes. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients facing prosecution at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street). Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Alexandria
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with specific penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Alexandria Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience across its attorney team.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly criminal statutes
- Alexandria General District Court website — court procedures, forms, and contact information
Alexandria Criminal Court Procedures
Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street processes all misdemeanor cases and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination.
- Arraignment: Enter plea at Alexandria General District Court, schedule trial dates.
- Pre-trial: File motions, negotiate with Commonwealth’s Attorney, consider first offender programs.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials typically within 4-8 weeks; felony preliminary hearings determine probable cause.
- Disposition: Accept plea agreement, proceed to trial, or enter first offender program.
- Appeal: File appeal to Alexandria Circuit Court within 10 days if convicted in GDC.
Alexandria Criminal Penalties
In Alexandria, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) as a Class 1 misdemeanor and grand larceny over $1,000 as a felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, no trespass orders |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program eligible |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alexandria Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. combines over 120 years of attorney experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal cases.
“SRIS helped me get my first-offense marijuana charge dismissed through the first offender program. They knew exactly how to handle Alexandria General District Court.” — Alexandria client review
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 with 75% litigation focus, skillfully representing clients across multiple jurisdictions in MD and VA.
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
Alexandria Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our Alexandria representation includes dismissals, reduced charges, and successful first offender program completions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. 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 (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.
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. 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.
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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide criminal defense hub
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — neighboring jurisdiction
- Alexandria DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area in Alexandria
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — learn more about your attorney
- Arlington Law Office Location — our serving location
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.
