Obstruction of Justice Lawyer Manassas Park, VA

If you are facing an obstruction of justice charge in Manassas Park, Virginia, the stakes are immediate and serious. Obstruction of justice under Va. Code § 18.2-460 can be charged as either a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 5 felony, depending on the circumstances. A conviction may result in jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals charged with obstruction of justice in the Manassas Park General District Court and the Manassas Park Circuit Court. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper, whose law-enforcement background provides insight into how obstruction cases are investigated and prosecuted. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

What Obstruction of Justice Means in Manassas Park, Virginia

In Manassas Park, obstruction of justice charges are prosecuted in two different courts depending on the classification of the offense. A misdemeanor obstruction charge under Va. Code § 18.2-460(A) is heard in the Manassas Park General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, Virginia 20110. Felony obstruction charges—which typically involve threats of bodily harm, the use of force, or the impersonation of a law enforcement officer—are prosecuted in the Manassas Park Circuit Court. Both courts are part of the Thirty-first Judicial District of Virginia, and both apply the same substantive law under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas Park prosecutes obstruction cases on behalf of the state. The charge often arises from encounters with law enforcement during traffic stops, arrest situations, or investigations. Even a verbal refusal to cooperate, if accompanied by conduct that hinders an officer’s lawful duties, can support an obstruction charge. Because Manassas Park shares the same courthouse facility as Prince William County, the court sees a significant volume of criminal matters, and the judges and prosecutors are experienced in evaluating obstruction allegations quickly. Early involvement of defense counsel can make a meaningful difference in how the case is charged and ultimately resolved.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Obstruction Cases

When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents a client on an obstruction charge in Manassas Park, the initial focus is on a thorough review of the facts and the evidence the prosecution intends to use. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine the police report, body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and any other available documentation to determine whether the elements of Va. Code § 18.2-460 are met. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, one of whom served for 15 years as a Virginia State Trooper, bring a distinct perspective to this analysis, having firsthand knowledge of police procedures and the standards for lawful officer conduct.

From there, the defense strategy may involve challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, raising constitutional objections to the underlying stop or arrest, or negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charge. In many cases, the firm works to demonstrate that the alleged conduct did not meet the statutory definition of obstruction—for instance, that the client’s actions were passive or that the officer’s investigation was not actually hindered. If a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the Manassas Park General District Court for misdemeanor cases and in the Manassas Park Circuit Court for felony cases, prepared to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses and present a well-prepared defense. The timeline for a case varies depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter, but the firm remains in communication with clients at every stage to explain what to expect.

Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Virginia

The potential consequences of an obstruction conviction depend on how the offense is classified under Va. Code § 18.2-460. A general obstruction conviction under subsection (A) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Obstruction with threats of bodily harm, use of force, or impersonation of a law enforcement officer under subsection (B) is a Class 5 felony.

In addition to incarceration and fines, a conviction for obstruction of justice creates a permanent criminal record. A felony conviction carries further collateral consequences, including the loss of firearm rights and potential difficulties with employment background checks. The firm works to pursue a resolution that minimizes these long-term impacts, whether through a trial or a negotiated outcome. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has represented clients in criminal matters across Virginia since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a comprehensive understanding of courtroom procedure and prosecutorial strategy to every defense case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his engagement with the legal framework that governs Virginia’s courtrooms. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper whose 15 years of law-enforcement experience provide valuable insight into police practices and the handling of obstruction allegations. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters. Results may vary. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is obstruction of justice under Virginia law?

Obstruction of justice under Va. Code § 18.2-460 occurs when a person knowingly obstructs a judge, magistrate, juror, prosecutor, witness, law enforcement officer, or other court officer in the performance of their official duties. The offense can be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor for general obstruction, or as a Class 5 felony if the obstruction involves threats of bodily harm, the use of force, or the impersonation of a law enforcement officer. The statute is broad, and even conduct that does not involve physical interference can be prosecuted if it impedes an officer’s lawful actions. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the penalties for obstruction of justice in Manassas Park?

Penalties for obstruction of justice in Manassas Park follow the Virginia classification system: a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries one to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the Manassas Park General District Court; felony cases proceed in the Manassas Park Circuit Court. The specific penalty in any case depends on the facts alleged, the defendant’s prior record, and the arguments presented by counsel. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against obstruction of justice charges?

Defense strategies for obstruction of justice in Virginia may include challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, raising constitutional objections to the underlying stop or arrest, demonstrating that the defendant’s conduct did not actually hinder the officer’s duties, and negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal. An attorney may also argue that the defendant’s speech was protected by the First Amendment or that the officer lacked a lawful basis for the interaction that led to the charge. Each defense is tailored to the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-460. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am facing obstruction charges in Manassas Park?

If you are facing obstruction of justice charges in Manassas Park, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. Do not post about the situation on social media. Preserve any evidence you may have, including video recordings, photographs, and witness contact information. An attorney can review the charges, explain the potential consequences, and begin developing a defense before your first court appearance. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can an obstruction charge be expunged in Virginia?

Virginia allows expungement for obstruction charges that result in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi (dismissal by the prosecutor), or a dismissal by the court, under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Convictions generally cannot be expunged. The petition for expungement must be filed in the circuit court of the jurisdiction where the charge was brought—in this case, the Manassas Park Circuit Court. The process requires a showing that the continued existence of the record constitutes a manifest injustice. To discuss whether expungement may be available in your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does the court process work for an obstruction case in Manassas Park?

An obstruction case in Manassas Park begins with an arrest or a summons, followed by a first appearance in the Manassas Park General District Court. For a misdemeanor obstruction charge, the General District Court will hear the trial. For a felony obstruction charge, the General District Court will hold a preliminary hearing, and if probable cause is found, the case will be certified to the Manassas Park Circuit Court for trial. At every stage, a defendant has the right to counsel. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Related pages: Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer | Prince William County Criminal Lawyer | Manassas Criminal Lawyer | Falls Church Criminal Lawyer | Fairfax City Criminal Lawyer

Primary legal sources for Virginia obstruction of justice law: Va. Code § 18.2-460 (Obstruction of Justice) | Manassas Park General District Court | Manassas Park Circuit Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.