Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County with 336 dismissed/not guilty outcomes. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense strategies for misdemeanors and felonies.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment. Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Complete Virginia criminal statutes
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and booking at Fairfax County Adult Detention Center
- Initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court
- Preliminary hearing for felony charges (within 21-60 days)
- Misdemeanor trial or felony indictment in Circuit Court
- Sentencing or dismissal based on case resolution
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results in your case.
Experience in Fairfax County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We provide full representation in Fairfax County criminal matters with direct knowledge of local court procedures.
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 Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented criminal defense results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable outcomes – a 97% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location 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.
24/7 phone consultations – (888) 437-7747 – meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location – 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
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).
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide criminal defense hub
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer – Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Former prosecutor
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change – contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.