Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax 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 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys know local court procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law (Va. Code Title 18.2) defines offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to 12 months in jail. Felonies are more serious offenses with potential prison sentences of one year or more. The classification determines court jurisdiction, trial rights, and potential penalties.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Official Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly criminal statutes
- Fairfax County General District Court website — court procedures, forms, and contact information
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow 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 GDC: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. The court will set a trial date.
- Discovery and motion filing: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors. For felonies, the preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports Circuit Court transfer.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have 10 days to appeal a GDC decision to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to prison time based on classification under Virginia law.
| 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, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, difficulty finding employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment, mandatory jail possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Experience in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with direct experience in Fairfax County courts.
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 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 — a 97% favorable outcome rate for Fairfax County cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location 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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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. 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 Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — former prosecutor
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.