Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2 and can carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County with 336 dismissed/not guilty and 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide direct defense at Fairfax County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment. The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, while felony trials occur in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – Official Virginia statute database.
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Court information, forms, and contact details.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. For misdemeanors, your trial will be at Fairfax County General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing occurs there before potential transfer to Fairfax County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court is at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
- 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: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, exercise right to jury trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 | Up to $2,500 | 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 |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We focus on criminal defense in Fairfax County courts, with direct knowledge of local procedures and prosecutors.
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
Fairfax County Criminal Case Results
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 clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
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.
24/7 phone consultations – (888) 437-7747 – meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality.
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change – contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.