Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like simple assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 establish penalty ranges, while § 19.2-392.2 governs expungement eligibility for dismissed cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). Court procedures and forms for Arlington County are available through the Virginia Court System website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Court Procedures
Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases, while the Circuit Court manages felony jury trials and appeals.
- 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 at Arlington County General District Court and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court, or accept a negotiated plea agreement for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, present mitigation for sentencing. If case is dismissed, file for expungement in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines under Va. Code § 18.2-11.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony conviction record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 12-month administrative suspension | Ignition interlock required |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide, we maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand 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
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 10 charges reduced or amended to lesser offenses. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these Arlington County cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Local Arlington County Defense
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts just minutes away. As criminal defense lawyers near Arlington County Courthouse, we represent residents throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747 — all 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 (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 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) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
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.
Related Legal Services
For full Virginia criminal defense resources, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in neighboring Alexandria, our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer can help. In Arlington County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney 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.