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; felonies 1-10 years. 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 for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases.
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 simple assault (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines are established under § 19.2-295.1, while expungement procedures for eligible cases follow § 19.2-392.2.
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 (Va. Code Title 18.2). Court procedures and forms for Arlington County are available through the Virginia Court System website for Arlington General District Court.
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. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial Appearance: See a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination at the Arlington Adult Detention Center.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges and enter a plea at Arlington County General District Court before a judge.
- Discovery Phase: Your attorney reviews police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Motion Filing: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement. Felonies transfer to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing/Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence. Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days for new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to decade-long prison sentences, with classification determining the severity under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) 1-5 years (Class 6) |
Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
| DUI First Offense (§ 18.2-266) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 1-year administrative suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP required |
Results may vary. The penalties shown are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, criminal history, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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 grounded in practical courtroom knowledge.
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.
Local Arlington County Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts just minutes away. We represent residents throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As an Arlington County criminal defense lawyer near the courthouse, we provide convenient access for case consultations.
24/7 phone consultations — (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 Resources
For more information on Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in neighboring Alexandria, see our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer page. For related practice areas in Arlington County, consider Arlington County DUI defense or Arlington County family law resources. 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 legal guidance.