Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Obstruction of justice in Fairfax County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-460, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County, including 336 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts.
What Is Obstruction of Justice in Virginia?
Obstruction of justice, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460, involves knowingly and willfully obstructing a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other official in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, fleeing, or physically interfering. The statute covers a range of actions, and the specific elements the Commonwealth must prove depend on the subsection charged.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the obstruction statute, review Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and forms are available through the Fairfax County General District Court website.
The Fairfax County Court Process for Obstruction Charges
In Fairfax County, obstruction charges are typically heard in the General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly and willfully to obstruct justice. A common defense involves challenging whether the officer was lawfully engaged in official duties at the time of the alleged obstruction. An experienced obstruction of justice defense lawyer Fairfax can analyze police reports and witness statements for weaknesses.
- Receive a summons or warrant. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney.
- Attend your arraignment at Fairfax County GDC, where you will enter a plea of not guilty.
- Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal based on the evidence.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before a judge in GDC.
- If convicted in GDC, you have an absolute right to appeal for a new trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in Fairfax
In Fairfax County, obstruction of justice is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. |
| Obstructing Justice (Felony – involving force) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record; loss of civil rights; severe impact on future opportunities. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Obstruction Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County specifically, we have documented 501 results, including 336 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts and 143 charges reduced or amended. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep understanding of state law and legislative process.
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
Our obstruction defense lawyer Fairfax team has a documented history of achieving favorable results in Fairfax County courts. We have 501 documented results in this locality, including cases where obstruction charges were dismissed following the successful defense of a primary charge like assault or DUI. In one instance, a charge of “Obtain Money on False Pretence >= $200.00 Felony” in Fairfax County General District Court was reduced to a misdemeanor with a suspended jail sentence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location is centrally located to serve clients at the Fairfax County General District Court. We are your local obstruction defense lawyer near Fairfax, serving communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
FAQs: Obstruction of Justice Defense in Fairfax
What is the penalty for obstruction of justice in Fairfax County?
Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Obstruction under Va. Code § 18.2-460 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The exact penalty depends on the facts, your record, and the skill of your resisting arrest defense lawyer Fairfax.
Can obstruction charges be dropped in Fairfax?
It depends. If the underlying charge (like DUI) is dismissed, the obstruction charge often falls. An attorney can argue the officer was not in lawful discharge of duties or that there was no willful intent to obstruct.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor creates a permanent record. Prosecutors in Fairfax are experienced. A lawyer protects your rights, negotiates for reductions, and fights the charge at trial if necessary.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest (Va. Code § 18.2-479.1) is a specific type of obstruction that involves preventing an arrest. General obstruction is broader, covering interference with any official duty, not just an arrest.
How does a former prosecutor help my obstruction case?
A former prosecutor like Kristen Fisher understands how the Commonwealth builds cases. This insight is crucial for identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and negotiating effectively for dismissals or favorable plea agreements.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing related charges, our firm also provides strong defense for DUI charges in Fairfax and family law matters in Fairfax. For a broader view of our criminal defense work, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current, personalized advice regarding an obstruction charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.