Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Arlington County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and drug possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases at the Arlington County General District Court located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). Court information and procedures for Arlington County are available at the Virginia Courts website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Felony jury trials proceed in Arlington County Circuit Court after preliminary hearings.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges and enter plea at Arlington County General District Court. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare defense strategy while exploring plea negotiations for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
- Trial: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court, or accept negotiated plea agreement if favorable.
- Sentencing: Address sentencing if convicted, then explore appeals or expungement eligibility for dismissals or acquittals.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry varying penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 2 misdemeanors up to 6 months and $1,000, while felonies range from 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Felony Drug Distribution | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimums apply |
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. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience across its attorney team. With 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, we provide experienced representation for Arlington County criminal matters.
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 Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 charges reduced or amended through negotiation. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Arlington County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent individuals throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County courts, we provide convenient access for local residents.
24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment only at our Arlington location.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% 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 Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information about criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Alexandria criminal defense. In Arlington County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law cases. 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 guidance.