Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Fairfax County, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies carrying years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Fairfax County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A crime is an act or omission prohibited by law and punishable by the state. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors (less serious) or felonies (more serious). The classification determines potential penalties and court jurisdiction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, forms, and procedures for Fairfax County are available at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court: Formal reading of charges. Enter plea of not guilty. Request discovery from Commonwealth’s Attorney. Schedule trial date.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery review: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Review police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Bench trial before judge in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, preliminary hearing in GDC then jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or dismissal: If convicted, sentencing based on Virginia guidelines. First offender programs may lead to dismissal under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11).
| 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 | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession Schedule I/II (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum for certain amounts |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and legal arguments presented.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 for Fairfax County criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). Criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courthouse and surrounding communities. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(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 Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County DUI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.