Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6). Class 1 misdemeanors like assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carry up to 12 months jail. Felonies like grand larceny (theft over $1,000) under § 18.2-95 are Class 5 or 6 felonies with 1-10 year prison terms. The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) from the Virginia General Assembly. Fairfax County court information: Fairfax County General District Court website with location, hours, and contact details.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles 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 for eligible first-time offenses.
- 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 pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if applicable.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports Circuit Court transfer.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court within 10 days for a new trial.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 2 up to 6 months/$1,000, with felonies ranging from 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5/6 Felony | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights lost |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1/5 depending | Up to 12 months/1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County, we have achieved 501 documented criminal defense results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand Commonwealth’s Attorney strategies from both sides of the courtroom.
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 Criminal 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 to lesser offenses, with 5 other favorable outcomes. This represents a 97% favorable outcome rate for Fairfax County criminal defense clients.
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, Fairfax, VA 22032 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.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
24/7: (888) 437-7747
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Nearby criminal defense lawyers: Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense lawyer. Related legal services in Fairfax County: Fairfax County DUI lawyer, Fairfax County family law lawyer. Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher attorney profile.
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 legal guidance.