Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Fairfax County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County—336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended—giving you a strong defense team with former prosecutors who know local court procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law, codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defines offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail (Va. Code § 19.2-295.1), while felonies carry prison terms of one year or more. The classification determines which court hears your case and the potential penalties you face.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Fairfax County court procedures and forms are available at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases at 4110 Chain Bridge Road.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request a trial date if pleading not guilty.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review prosecution evidence. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, preliminary hearing in GDC determines if case moves to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court within 10 days for GDC convictions.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, prison time |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum for distribution |
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 to your defense. Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how cases are built and challenged from the inside.
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 Fairfax County
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, and 5 other favorable outcomes—a 97% favorable outcome rate for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent residents 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.
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). 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
For full Virginia criminal defense resources, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Fairfax City, Falls Church, and Prince William County.
If you’re facing related charges, consider our Fairfax County DUI/DWI lawyer or Fairfax County family law attorney services. Learn more about 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.