Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. It classifies offenses as misdemeanors (Class 1-4) or felonies (Class 1-6), with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases in Fairfax County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information, including forms and procedures for Fairfax County, is 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 appeals from the General District Court.
- Arraignment: You appear in Fairfax County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): The court determines if there is probable cause to send a felony case to Circuit Court.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court, or a plea agreement is reached.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you have the right to appeal a GDC decision to Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Substance abuse assessment |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for certain suspensions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. We have a documented 97% favorable outcome rate in Fairfax County criminal cases. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland prosecutor, providing insider perspective on police and prosecution tactics.
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. This represents a 97% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Serving Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, accessible via major highways. We serve 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).
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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense lawyer. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters: Fairfax County DUI lawyer, Fairfax County family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.