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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 4,739+ documented firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Alexandria location provides full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases heard at Alexandria General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A crime is an act or omission prohibited by law and punishable by the state. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors (less serious) or felonies (more serious). Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court; felonies begin there for preliminary hearings but are tried in Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Alexandria court information, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case will be heard at Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes all cases. The court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials occur at Alexandria Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You appear in court, hear the charges, and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You may appeal a conviction or, if eligible, petition for expungement of arrest records.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Alexandria
In Alexandria, criminal penalties range from fines for minor misdemeanors to decades in prison for serious felonies, with specific classifications defined by Virginia law.
| 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 typically | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 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+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug education program, felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and legal strategy.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Alexandria Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation with a case-specific approach. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria, Virginia
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent individuals in 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 neighboring areas like Arlington County criminal defense. In Alexandria, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. Fisher.
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.
