Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry severe penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, achieving a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand Commonwealth’s Attorney strategies at Fairfax County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more). Sentencing guidelines are established in § 19.2-295.1, while expungement procedures for dismissed cases are governed by § 19.2-392.2. First offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Fairfax County are available through the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases. Fairfax County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court: Appear at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible ($120 fee for misdemeanors).
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court before a judge. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For acquittals or dismissals, file an expungement petition in Fairfax County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years; assault and battery under § 18.2-57 is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide, we maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand Commonwealth’s Attorney strategies from both sides of the courtroom.
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
Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented criminal defense results in Fairfax County: 336 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 143 charges reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes—a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include misdemeanor and felony cases handled at Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent individuals throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courts, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747—meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fairfax County 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 Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, 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 Fairfax County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fairfax County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fairfax County 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 Fairfax County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County 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. Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions: Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense lawyer, and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense, family law, and reckless driving. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background.
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.