In Fairfax County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County, including 336 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts. An Arson Lawyer Fairfax County provides critical defense against fire-related charges that carry severe penalties.
Virginia Criminal Law: Statutory Framework in Fairfax County
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). In Fairfax County, criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Fairfax County General District Court. Misdemeanor classifications range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felony classifications include Class 5 (1-10 years) and Class 6 (1-5 years). An arson charge defense lawyer Fairfax County understands how these classifications apply to fire-related offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-77 through § 18.2-82.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Government Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 — Crimes and Offenses (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Fairfax County General District Court — Official Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Fairfax County Criminal Defense
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes aggressively. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours for incarcerated defendants.
- Discovery exchange — prosecutor must disclose evidence within 14 days of request.
- Pre-trial motions (suppression, discovery violations) filed at least 7 days before trial.
- Trial in GDC for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Appeal to Circuit Court for de novo trial if convicted in GDC.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with specific classifications determining the maximum sentence.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Fairfax County Criminal Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
For Fairfax County specifically, the firm has 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate in this jurisdiction.
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
Secondary attorney: Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of practice dedicated to litigation.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
- Obtain Money on False Pretense ≥ $200.00 Felony — Reduced to misdemeanor; 180 days, 176 suspended. Fairfax County General District Court.
- Dangerous Dog That Bit Person — 179 days jail with 179 suspended. Fairfax County General District Court.
- Non-Compliance with VASAP — Sentence/Probation Revoked. Fairfax County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is near the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Capital Beltway.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax? We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fairfax County
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).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, 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 Fairfax County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.