In Falls Church, Virginia, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Former prosecutors on staff.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Falls Church, the Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Falls Church Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from the General District Court. Virginia law provides for expungement of criminal records under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Falls Church prosecutes these cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment in Falls Church General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution must share evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court or preliminary hearing for felony charges.
- Appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court if convicted in General District Court.
In Falls Church, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled firm-wide 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia family law.
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 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is accessible from Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue) via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike), Route 29, I-66, and I-495.
Criminal defense lawyer near Falls Church — serving Falls Church, Virginia.
Neighborhoods served: Falls Church.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.