Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Last updated on June 18, 2026

Prince William County, Virginia, has a unified court system where jurisdiction depends on the type and severity of the charge. Misdemeanors and preliminary felony matters are handled in General District Court, while felony trials and more complex proceedings are handled in Circuit Court. Appeals from General District Court are also heard in Circuit Court. Prince William County, Virginia, is home to many major urban centers, such as Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, and Manassas Park. Residents of these cities may find themselves facing criminal charges for everything from drunk driving (DUI) to drug crimes to weapons charges and violent crime allegations. It is crucial for them to understand all of their legal options.

That’s where we come in at Mark B. Williams & Associates, PLC. Our Prince William County criminal defense attorneys have been offering trusted legal services since 1990, and we rely on our decades of combined experience in every case.

Looking For A Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Schedule a free consultation with a defense attorney with 30+ years of experience.

Looking For A Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Schedule a free consultation with a defense attorney with 30+ years of experience.

How Can The Prince William County Criminal Defense Attorneys At Mark B. Williams & Associates, PLC, Assist You?

There are many different ways that a criminal defense lawyer can help at this time. For instance, our experienced attorneys will meet with you during an initial consultation to begin to understand your case and the charges you’re facing. This also gives you a chance to tell your side of the story, and an attorney can help you gather evidence and prepare your defense.

As the case goes forward, we can also help you explore your options. You may want to negotiate a plea deal to get a more lenient sentence, for instance. You may want to fight for your rights during litigation, as you seek to clear your name and have the charges dropped. We can help you:

• Prepare for trial
• Meet specific deadlines
• Respond to court documents appropriately
• Craft a defense strategy
• Consider legal precedents and laws
• Gather witness statements and other evidence
• And much more

We’re here to help every step of the way.

Which Cases Do Our Criminal Defense Lawyers In Prince William County Handle?

Our team can handle any criminal charges you may be facing, including:

• DUI/DWI charges: These could lead to fines, jail time and a license suspension
• Traffic violations/reckless driving: In addition to fines, these charges, including reckless driving, can deduct points from your record, which could eventually lead to a revocation
• Sex crimes: Criminal sexual activity can include allegations of rape, sexual assault, unwanted touching, stalking, internet crimes and more
• Weapons crimes and firearm charges: This could include assault or illegal possession
• White collar crimes: These are often financial crimes, like embezzlement
• Homicide/murder: We explore defense options for the most serious charges
• Drug crimes: Including possession, sales and manufacture

Call now to get started with a free initial consultation.

What Can You Expect During A Prince William County Bond Hearing?

During this hearing, a judge determines whether the defendant will be released from custody and under what conditions. Typically, the bond hearing occurs shortly after the arraignment, which is the formal reading of the charges in court.

Several key aspects are considered during these hearings:

• Arraignment details: The arraignment includes entering a plea, usually guilty, not guilty or no contest. The court also informs the defendant of their rights and the upcoming court schedule.
• Bond considerations: Judges weigh two primary factors when setting bond, which are the risk of flight and the danger to the community. These factors help ensure that the release does not jeopardize public safety or the defendant’s court appearance.
• Hearing location: Bond hearings in Prince William County are generally held at the Prince William County General District Court or the Prince William County Circuit Court, depending on the charges.

At Mark B. Williams & Associates, PLC, we can advocate for a reasonable bond, present mitigating information and explain legal procedures to help ensure the best possible outcome.

When Are Bond Motions Heard In Prince William County, Virginia?

In Prince William County, the timing of bond motions varies depending on the court handling the case.

• In the General District Court: Bond motions are heard during morning dockets, allowing for prompt resolution of pretrial release matters.
• In Circuit Court: A formal motion must be filed by noon the day before the hearing. These hearings usually begin at 9:30 AM, and the judge reviews the motion along with supporting documentation before making a decision.

Proper timing and preparation are crucial. 

What To Look For In A Prince William Criminal Defense Attorney

A good defense lawyer will be:

• Dedicated
• Detail-oriented
• Easy to communicate with
• Empathetic
• Experienced
• Knowledgeable

Our experienced team can help, even if this is your first time in the criminal justice system.

Criminal Courts In Prince William County, Virginia

General District Court
 9311 Lee Ave.
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 792-6141 (TTY: 711)
 https://www.pwcva.gov/department/general-district-court

Prince William Circuit Court
 9311 Lee Avenue
Third Floor
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 792-6015
 https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/circuit/prince_william/home

Adult Detention Center In Prince William County

The Prince William County Adult Detention Center (ADC) is the primary facility for holding adult inmates before trial or sentencing. The center is located at:

Prince William‑Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center

9320 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA 20110.

The ADC serves multiple cities in the county, including Woodbridge, Manassas and Dale City, housing individuals arrested within these jurisdictions. The facility provides secure detention, visitation protocols and inmate services.

For more information, including visitation rules and inmate search tools, the Prince William County Adult Detention Center website offers extensive details. 

Call For A Free Initial Consultation With A Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer

We can help clients throughout Northern VA, including in Fauquier, Culpeper, Prince William, Rappahannock, Warren, Clarke, Fairfax, Page, Frederick, Madison, Orange, Stafford and Shenandoah Counties. We also serve the cities of Warrenton, Winchester, Manassas and Fredericksburg.

Call 540-254-0757 or use the online contact form to set up your free initial consultation. We look forward to helping you defend your rights.