In Falls Church, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced. A Securities Fraud lawyer Falls Church can help you understand your options. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Falls Church
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. An investment fraud defense lawyer Falls Church can provide guidance on these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information on Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly legislative site. Court procedures are governed by the Falls Church General District Court.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Falls Church Court
Falls Church General District Court processes cases quickly. Misdemeanor trials occur within 4-8 weeks of arraignment. Felony preliminary hearings happen within 21-60 days of arrest.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in Falls Church General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (misdemeanor) or jury (felony in Circuit Court).
- Sentencing or appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Falls Church, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team also includes Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience and was formerly death penalty certified.
Case Results in Falls Church
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is approximately 3 miles from Falls Church General District Court, accessible via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike), Route 29, I-66, and I-495.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Falls Church? We serve all neighborhoods in Falls Church.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Falls Church
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Falls Church General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.