Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
Virginia Criminal Law in Arlington County
Virginia criminal law defines offenses and penalties in Title 18.2 of the state code. Common charges in Arlington County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Each charge has specific elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). 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. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases.
- Initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Arlington County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in GDC for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- For felony charges, possible transfer to Arlington County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing if convicted, or case resolution through dismissal, reduction, or alternative programs.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
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
Arlington County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 charges reduced or amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Near Arlington County Courts
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations—(888) 437-7747—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.
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information: Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. Nearby representation: Alexandria criminal defense lawyer. Related services in Arlington: Arlington DUI lawyer and Arlington family law lawyer. Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.