Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors like assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carry up to 12 months jail. Felony theft (grand larceny) of $1,000+ under § 18.2-95 is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1-10 years. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases at the Fairfax County General District Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Fairfax County court information: Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can result in dismissal after successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before magistrate within 24 hours of arrest
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court to hear formal charges
- Discovery review and pre-trial motion filing (suppression, dismissal)
- Plea negotiation with Commonwealth’s Attorney or bench trial preparation
- Sentencing or appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court for jury trial
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry varying penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with expungement available for dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, no trespass orders |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block with 15 years law enforcement experience and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher.
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 501 documented criminal defense results in Fairfax County: 336 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 143 charges reduced or amended, with 5 other favorable outcomes for a 97% favorable outcome rate in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courthouses, we represent clients throughout 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.
Virginia criminal defense resources: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Nearby criminal defense lawyers: Fairfax City criminal lawyer, Falls Church criminal attorney. Related Fairfax County legal services: Fairfax County DUI lawyer, Fairfax County family law attorney. Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher former prosecutor.
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.