Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more). The law establishes penalties and procedures for prosecution in Fairfax County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
For the official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Fairfax County court information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Your case begins at the Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials move to Fairfax County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all cases.
- Attend your arraignment at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
- Review discovery with your attorney to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Consider pretrial motions to suppress evidence or challenge charges.
- Evaluate plea offers versus the risks and rights of a jury trial.
- If convicted, explore expungement eligibility under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals or dismissals.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (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 | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 (Class 5) | None | Felony record, significant restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Further suspension | Additional DMV points, mandatory fines |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
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, representing a 97% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent clients from 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.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need related services, consider our Fairfax County DUI lawyer or Fairfax County family law attorney. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.