Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Fairfax County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry severe penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutors provide case-specific defense at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road).
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Crimes are classified as misdemeanors (Class 1-4) or felonies (Class 1-6). Fairfax County prosecutes violations through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases locally.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Fairfax County General District Court website — Virginia court system .gov domain
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing if convicted, or appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to decade-long prison sentences under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | 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 jail for repeat offenses |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our former prosecutors understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases. We focus on Fairfax County courts and procedures. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Fairfax County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented criminal defense results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable — a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results reflect our familiarity with Fairfax County judges and prosecutors.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Fairfax County Defense
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). Criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse. Serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, 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.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — sibling locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — sibling locality
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
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 updated guidance.