Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine per Va. Code § 18.2-11; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County with 11 dismissed/not guilty and 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides experienced defense at Arlington County General District Court.
Criminal defense representation in Arlington County requires knowledge of local court procedures and prosecutor strategies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only at our Arlington location.
Virginia Criminal Law in Arlington County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies with specific penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 4 (least serious), while felonies range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 6 (least serious). Arlington County prosecutes these cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, with all initial proceedings at Arlington County General District Court located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website (.gov domain).
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases with specific local procedures.
- 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 and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter plea at Arlington County General District Court. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence if convicted or appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court for jury trial within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties based on Virginia classification: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; Class 6 felony 1-5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Arlington County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Arlington County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement insight to defense strategy.
In Arlington County, we have achieved 21 documented criminal defense results: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 cases reduced or amended to lesser charges—maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate for these Arlington County cases.
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
Arlington County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 cases reduced or amended to lesser charges. These results represent a 100% favorable outcome rate for these Arlington County cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
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.
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).
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.
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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.