Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defining offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. The Commonwealth classifies misdemeanors as Class 1 (up to 12 months/$2,500), Class 2 (up to 6 months/$1,000), Class 3 (up to $500), and Class 4 (up to $250). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review 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 Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Fairfax County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases, while first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 offer dismissal upon successful completion.
- 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 guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court schedules trial dates and discovery deadlines.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review police reports, witness statements, and evidence. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Present your defense at trial or negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigating factors at sentencing. You have 10 days to appeal a GDC conviction to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 6 felonies 1-5 years, with higher classifications for serious violent crimes.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6/5/4) | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500+ | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 1/5/4 | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Experience in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense, with former prosecutors who understand both sides of the courtroom. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block and former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, providing unique insight into police procedures and prosecution strategies.
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, and 5 other favorable outcomes, achieving a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include assault, drug possession, theft, and traffic offenses handled at Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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 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 available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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 Criminal Defense Resources
For more information about Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Fairfax City, Falls Church, and Prince William County. For related practice areas in Fairfax County, see DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving defense. 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 legal guidance.