Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can mean years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County—336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended—providing strong defense representation. Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County General District Court on Chain Bridge Road.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses ranging from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines are established under § 19.2-295.1, while expungement procedures for qualified cases are governed by § 19.2-392.2. First offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 may provide dismissal opportunities for eligible defendants.
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 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures and forms for Fairfax County are available through the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases, while felony jury trials proceed to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- 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 plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest) at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review prosecution evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or accept plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, exercise right to jury trial in Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with additional consequences including permanent criminal records.
| 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 typically | Protective order, no-contact conditions |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment barriers |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fines apply |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program eligibility |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide, we provide experienced criminal defense representation. Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand both sides of the courtroom.
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, with 5 other favorable outcomes—a 97% favorable outcome rate for clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court serves clients at the Fairfax County courts on 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 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
For full Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Fairfax City, Falls Church, and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases, family law matters, and reckless driving charges.
Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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 legal guidance.