Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Alexandria, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies with years of incarceration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation in Alexandria, with firm-wide experience handling 4,739+ documented case results. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand Alexandria General District Court procedures.
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 12 months in jail, while felonies can result in state prison sentences from one year to life.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Alexandria General District Court to enter plea and request discovery.
- Review discovery and file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Trial preparation, including witness interviews and defense strategy development.
- Trial at GDC for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Jury trial at Alexandria Circuit Court for felony charges if not resolved.
In Alexandria, 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 (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of law enforcement procedures.
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
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. Our Alexandria criminal defense practice draws on this extensive experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are accessible via major highways and represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
Criminal defense lawyer near Alexandria General District Court. 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. 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.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Arlington County criminal defense. Related services in Alexandria include DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.