Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can bring years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation at Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 establish penalties, while § 19.2-392.2 governs expungement for dismissals and acquittals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive experience with these statutes.
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 procedures and forms for Arlington County are available through the Virginia Courts website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Court Procedures
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Felony jury trials proceed in Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases, while first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 offer dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance at Arlington County General District Court for arraignment and bond hearing.
- Review discovery materials from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and evidence.
- File pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, diversion programs, or case dismissal.
- Prepare for bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court if no agreement is reached.
- Pursue appeals to Circuit Court or expungement petitions for favorable outcomes.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective orders, no-contact conditions |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Arlington County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Arlington County. Founded in 1997, the firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across firm-wide 4,739+ documented cases. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal proceedings.
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 these Arlington County cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent individuals throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer page. For related services in Arlington County, consider Arlington DUI defense or Arlington family law. 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.