Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Fairfax 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 imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Fairfax County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law defines offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Commonwealth must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the actual statutes and court procedures:
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly website
- Fairfax County General District Court website — court procedures and forms
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before magistrate within 24 hours of arrest
- Arraignment where you enter plea and request discovery from prosecutor
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if constitutional violations occurred
- Bench trial in General District Court or request jury trial in Circuit Court
- Sentencing hearing if convicted, or appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years imprisonment with permanent criminal records.
| 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 order, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, immigration consequences |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
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. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand both sides of criminal cases. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across firm-wide 4,739+ documented results.
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 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 143 charges reduced or amended, 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate for Fairfax County criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent clients throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Services
Explore our other legal services in Fairfax County:
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub page
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — neighboring locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby city
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — learn more about your attorney
- Fairfax Office Location — visit our Fairfax location
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.