Obstruction of Justice Lawyer Arlington County, VA
In Arlington County, an obstruction of justice charge under Virginia Code § 18.2-460 can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, to a Class 6 felony carrying a prison term of one to five years. The stakes rise sharply when a threat of force or an attempt to impersonate law enforcement is alleged — elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals facing obstruction charges at the Arlington County General District Court and the Arlington County Circuit Court. Our firm has documented 21 criminal defense case results in Arlington County, including 11 dismissals or not-guilty findings and 10 charges reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. If you are under investigation or have been charged, request a consultation at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Under Va. Code § 18.2-460, general obstruction of a law‑enforcement officer is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine), while obstruction accompanied by a threat of bodily harm or by impersonating an officer is a Class 5 felony (1–10 years imprisonment, or by a jury’s discretion up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine).
Source: Virginia Code § 18.2-460. Virginia Legislative Information System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
What Obstruction of Justice Means in Arlington County, VA
An allegation of obstruction of justice in Arlington County places a person directly into the Seventeenth Judicial District’s criminal justice process. Misdemeanor charges are heard at the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Felony obstruction cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court and, if certified, proceed to the Arlington County Circuit Court for trial.
Arlington County General District Court is currently presided over by Hon. Jason S. Rucker. Court hours: Mon‑Fri 8:00AM‑4:00PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes obstruction charges. A conviction — whether for a misdemeanor or a felony — creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and immigration status. However, Virginia law provides avenues that may help a person avoid a conviction: for first‑offense property‑related charges, the court may defer disposition under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 and dismiss the charge upon successful completion of probation. Additionally, if a case ends in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal, an individual may petition the Arlington County Circuit Court to expunge police and court records under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. These opportunities make early involvement of experienced counsel essential.
The firm’s Arlington Location, situated at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, enables the team to appear regularly at both the General District Court and the Circuit Court, offering a working knowledge of how obstruction allegations are handled by local prosecutors and judges.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Obstruction of Justice Cases
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel approach each obstruction case by first scrutinizing the facts that gave rise to the charge. Many obstruction allegations stem from a tense interaction with law enforcement — a raised voice, a refusal to immediately comply with an order, or a physical movement that an officer interprets as interference. The team examines whether the conduct actually hindered the officer’s performance of a lawful duty, a required element under Va. Code § 18.2‑460. When the evidence does not show intentional interference, a motion to dismiss or a not‑guilty verdict may be achievable.
When a felony obstruction allegation involves a claimed threat or impersonation, the defense often focuses on the clarity and credibility of the accusation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review body‑worn camera footage, dash‑camera recordings, 911 calls, and witness statements to identify inconsistencies. The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who served 15 years and conducted criminal investigations across Virginia. That firsthand law‑enforcement perspective is used to evaluate whether officers followed standard protocols and to challenge procedural missteps during hearings or trial. The firm works toward a favorable resolution at every stage — pretrial negotiations, preliminary hearing, or jury trial — and is prepared to try the case in Circuit Court when that is in the client’s interest. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings an understanding of how the Commonwealth builds an obstruction case. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. The team handles criminal matters in Arlington County and throughout Northern Virginia. Because the firm has no employees, every attorney serves as Of Counsel, ensuring that each matter receives direct attention from highly experienced practitioners. The team’s backgrounds — including a former prosecutor and a former Virginia State Trooper — provide a practical perspective that informs the defense strategy from the first consultation through final disposition. To discuss an obstruction charge, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is obstruction of justice under Virginia law?
Obstruction of justice under Va. Code § 18.2-460 is knowingly preventing a law‑enforcement officer, judge, or other court officer from performing an official duty. A charge may arise from conduct such as physically interfering with an arrest, giving a false name, refusing to follow a lawful command, or threatening an officer. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally hindered the officer’s lawful function. In Arlington County, these cases are prosecuted in the General District Court if charged as a misdemeanor, or in the Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing if charged as a felony.
What are the penalties for obstruction of justice in Virginia?
A standard obstruction charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the obstruction involves a threat of bodily harm or impersonating a law‑enforcement officer, the offense is elevated to a Class 5 felony, which carries one to ten years in prison, or, at the discretion of a jury, up to 12 months in jail and a fine. A felony conviction also results in a permanent loss of firearm rights and may subject the person to enhanced penalties in future cases. The exact penalty depends on the defendant’s prior record and the circumstances of the offense.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against an obstruction of justice charge?
An experienced defense lawyer examines every aspect of the encounter that led to the charge — focusing on whether the officer had a lawful basis to act and whether the defendant’s conduct actually interfered. Common defenses include showing that the defendant’s words or actions were protected speech, demonstrating a lack of physical interference, or establishing that the officer acted outside the scope of their legal authority. The firm also reviews whether any statement obtained in violation of Miranda rights should be suppressed. In Arlington County, counsel may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a dismissal, a reduction to a non‑criminal infraction, or a deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2 for eligible clients.
Do I need a lawyer for obstruction charges in Arlington County?
Yes — because even a misdemeanor obstruction conviction can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. A record of obstruction can affect employment background checks, security clearances, and immigration applications. An attorney can evaluate whether the charge is legally sufficient, identify procedural errors, and, when appropriate, seek alternatives to conviction. Handling an obstruction allegation without counsel means facing the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the court with no one protecting your rights. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations for obstruction matters in Arlington County. Request a consultation at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am facing obstruction of justice charges in Virginia?
If you are charged with obstruction, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any text messages, videos, or other evidence related to the encounter. An attorney can advise you on whether to provide a statement to law enforcement and can begin working to secure your release or to challenge a bond that has been set. Early intervention may influence whether the Commonwealth’s Attorney offers a favorable resolution. The Arlington County courts have specific procedures for scheduling preliminary hearings and trials, and missing a deadline can result in a bench warrant or a waiver of important rights.
How does the court process work for obstruction charges in Arlington County?
Misdemeanor obstruction cases begin with an arraignment in the Arlington County General District Court, where the charges are read and a trial date is set. Felony obstruction allegations start with a preliminary hearing in the same court; if the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to the Circuit Court for trial. Both courts follow the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes the matter. The timeline from arrest to trial varies depending on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the case, and whether pre‑trial motions are filed. Throughout the process, the defendant has the right to counsel and the right to remain silent.
Outbound primary‑source references
For the full statutory text, consult Virginia Code § 18.2‑460 on the Virginia Legislative Information System. Information about the Arlington County Circuit Court can be found at Virginia’s Judicial System website. General criminal procedure resources are available through Virginia Courts.
Related criminal defense pages
For representation in neighboring localities, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer, Prince William County criminal defense lawyer, Stafford County criminal defense lawyer, and Loudoun County criminal defense lawyer pages.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.