Attempt Lawyer Arlington County — Defending Incomplete Offense Charges
An attempt charge in Arlington County is a serious incomplete offense under Virginia law, prosecuted as if the crime was completed. An attempt lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends these charges in Arlington County General District and Circuit Courts. Our firm has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
In Virginia, an attempt to commit a crime is itself a criminal offense. The law, under Va. Code § 18.2-26, treats an attempt as a separate, indictable offense. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the crime you are accused of attempting. For example, an attempt to commit a felony is generally punishable as a Class 5 felony, carrying 1-10 years in prison. An attempt to commit a misdemeanor is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The prosecution must prove you took a direct, substantial step toward committing the crime, with the specific intent to complete it.
You can review the official Virginia statute on attempt at Va. Code § 18.2-26 (official Virginia General Assembly). Arlington County cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and at Arlington County Circuit Court for felony trials.
- Secure representation from an experienced incomplete offense defense lawyer Arlington County immediately after arrest or summons.
- Your attorney will obtain and review all police reports, witness statements, and evidence to assess the prosecution’s case for intent and a substantial step.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the attempt charge based on Virginia law.
- Negotiate with the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal, often arguing the act was mere preparation.
- If necessary, proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or demand a jury trial in Circuit Court to contest the charges.
In Arlington County, an attempt charge carries penalties based on the target crime, from up to 12 months in jail for a misdemeanor attempt to 1-10 years for a felony attempt.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attempt to Commit Felony | Class 5 Felony (typically) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible for related crimes | Permanent felony record, loss of gun rights, immigration consequences |
| Attempt to Commit Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor (typically) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible for related crimes | Criminal record, employment difficulties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide a full defense for attempt charges, understanding the nuances of proving intent and action under Virginia law. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in Arlington County courts.
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
In Arlington County, our attorneys have achieved 21 documented criminal defense results, with 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 10 charges reduced or amended. For instance, we secured a dismissal for a client facing an assault attempt charge in Arlington County General District Court. In another case, we negotiated a favorable deferred disposition for a client accused of an attempted theft. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, our firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving financial intent or layered charges.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:00PM
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 phone consultation; meetings are by appointment only.
Attempt Charge Defense FAQs in Arlington County
What is an attempt charge under Virginia law?
It is an incomplete offense where the prosecution must prove you had the specific intent to commit a crime and took a direct, substantial step toward completing it, as defined under Va. Code § 18.2-26.
Can I be charged with attempt even if I didn’t finish the crime?
Yes. Virginia law punishes the attempt itself. The key is whether your actions went beyond mere preparation and demonstrated a clear intent to commit the crime.
What are the penalties for an attempt charge in Arlington County?
Penalties are based on the crime attempted. An attempt to commit a felony is often a Class 5 felony (1-10 years). An attempt to commit a misdemeanor is usually a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine).
What defenses are available against an attempt charge?
Common defenses include lack of specific intent, abandonment of the attempt, impossibility, or that your actions only amounted to preparation, not a substantial step. An experienced attempted crime defense lawyer Arlington County can identify the best defense strategy.
Why do I need a lawyer for an attempt charge?
Attempt charges are complex because they hinge on proving your state of mind. An incomplete offense defense lawyer Arlington County can challenge the evidence of intent and the alleged substantial step, often skilled to reduced charges or dismissal.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related charges in nearby areas like Alexandria. In Arlington County, we handle other serious matters including DUI defense and family law.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.