Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County with 11 dismissed/not guilty and 10 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Arlington County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Arlington County
Virginia criminal law defines offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Class 1 misdemeanors include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine. Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense representation in Arlington County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
Review the complete Virginia criminal code: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases, and first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Arlington County GDC to hear formal charges and enter plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motion filing to challenge evidence.
- Bench trial in GDC or plea negotiation with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing by judge or appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500, Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, no trespass |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse program |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Experience in Arlington County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal cases. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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, 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.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations. Meetings are 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 Virginia criminal defense overview: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer. For nearby criminal defense: Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related practice areas in Arlington: Arlington DUI/DWI Lawyer and Arlington Family Law Lawyer. View attorney profile: Kristen Fisher 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 guidance.