Practicing Virginia law since 1997
Arlington County packs a full court system into twenty-six square miles. A speeding summons on Route 50, a custody petition in Clarendon and a federal indictment across the river can each begin within minutes of one another — and each is governed by a different court, a different standard of proof and a different clock.
Family, criminal, traffic, injury, federal, business, immigration and estate matters for people living and working in Arlington County.
Knowing the venue tells you most of what you need to know about what happens next — how fast it moves, whether a jury is available and what a loss can be appealed to.
Misdemeanor charges, traffic offenses and civil claims. Under Va. Code § 16.1-77 it holds exclusive original jurisdiction over civil claims up to $4,500, and concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court above $4,500 up to $50,000.
Appeal of right to the Circuit Court, heard de novo — the case is tried over from the beginning.
Felony charges, divorce and the division of marital property, civil claims above the district court range, and appeals from the General District Court.
Probate administration is handled here as well.
Custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, protective orders and juvenile matters under Va. Code § 16.1-241.
Orders entered here are appealable de novo to the Circuit Court.
Federal criminal and civil matters arising in Arlington County, filed across the river in the Alexandria Division.
A compressed schedule leaves little room for pretrial delay — early preparation matters more here.
Divorce and equitable distribution are filed in the Circuit Court; custody, visitation and support are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which weighs the best-interests factors at Va. Code § 20-124.3.
Mr. Sris
Misdemeanor and felony charges in Arlington County — larceny, assault, drug offenses, firearms charges, probation violations — including motions practice and, where the statute permits, expungement.
Mr. Sris · Bryan Block · Kristen M. Fisher
Reckless driving by speed reaches any driver 20 mph or more above the limit, or over 85 mph regardless of the limit — a Class 1 misdemeanor, not a ticket. Also DUI, suspended license and the consequences that follow.
Bryan Block · Kristen M. Fisher · Mr. Sris
Motor vehicle collisions, premises incidents and other negligence matters. Virginia's limitations period is two years, and contributory negligence can bar recovery entirely — making early evidence preservation decisive.
Handled at firm level
Arlington sits inside the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal criminal defense, including conspiracy and fraud charges, alongside civil matters filed in the Alexandria Division.
Mr. Sris
Entity formation under the Virginia LLC Act, operating agreements, bylaws, partnership documentation, commercial contract drafting and review, and commercial litigation.
Handled at firm level
Family-based petitions, adjustment of status, consular processing and the immigration consequences of criminal charges — before USCIS and the immigration courts rather than Virginia state court.
Handled at firm level
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance medical directives, plus probate administration in the Arlington County Circuit Court. Execution requirements are applied strictly.
Handled at firm level
Charges carrying Virginia's longest sentences and most durable collateral consequences, including registration obligations. Early and confidential handling; defended in the Circuit Court.
Mr. Sris
Owner and Founder · Former Prosecutor
Founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced across five jurisdictions since. He served as a prosecutor before entering private practice.
Of Counsel · Former Virginia State Trooper
Represents drivers facing reckless driving, DUI and suspended license charges in the Arlington County courts.
Of Counsel · Former Md. Assistant State's Attorney
Served as a Maryland Assistant State's Attorney before moving into criminal defense, and now represents defendants in criminal and traffic matters.
Representation begins only when a written agreement is signed. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Call (888) 437-7747Call (888) 437-7747 or use the contact form. Describe the matter, name the court if one has been identified, and note any deadline already running.
A summons, charging document, petition, notice of hearing, insurer correspondence or prior order — these determine which options remain open and how much time is left.
Which court holds your matter, what the governing statute provides, the realistic range of outcomes, and what each available path costs in time and money.
Representation begins only when a written agreement is signed. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Misdemeanors, traffic charges and civil claims up to $50,000 are heard in the Arlington County General District Court. Felonies, divorce and larger civil claims go to the Arlington County Circuit Court. Custody, support and protective orders are heard in the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Yes. Under Va. Code § 46.2-862, driving 20 miles per hour or more above the limit, or faster than 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, is reckless driving — a Class 1 misdemeanor rather than a traffic infraction. A conviction creates a criminal record.
Two years from the date the cause of action accrues, under Va. Code § 8.01-243. Other claim types carry different periods, and claims against government entities carry separate, shorter notice requirements.
Virginia bars recovery by a plaintiff who contributed to their own injury, even slightly. Most states reduce damages by the plaintiff's percentage of fault; Virginia does not reduce them, it bars them.
Yes. An appeal to the Circuit Court is heard de novo, meaning the case is tried again from the beginning. The period for noting an appeal is short, so the decision has to be made quickly.
In the Arlington County Circuit Court, under Va. Code § 20-91. Custody and support are heard separately in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Under Va. Code § 64.2-403, a will not written entirely in the testator's own handwriting must be signed or acknowledged by the testator before at least two competent witnesses who are present at the same time and who sign in the testator's presence.
No. The firm does not offer free consultations. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey and New York.
Bring the summons, charging document, petition, notice of hearing, insurer correspondence or prior order. Those determine which options remain open and how much time is left to use them.
