Obstruction of Justice Lawyer Falls Church, VA

What Obstruction of Justice Means in Falls Church, Virginia

Obstruction of justice is a distinct criminal offense in Virginia. Under Va. Code § 18.2‑460, a person commits obstruction by knowingly impeding a judge, magistrate, law enforcement officer, attorney for the Commonwealth, or other court officer in the performance of official duties. The charge can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor — punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine — to a Class 5 felony if the obstruction involves threats of bodily harm, force, or impersonation of a law enforcement officer. The classification depends on the nature of the conduct, not on the underlying investigation.

In Falls Church, obstruction charges are filed in the Falls Church General District Court for misdemeanors and in the Falls Church Circuit Court for felonies. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases, and a conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, firearm rights, and immigration status. Defenses often focus on whether the alleged interference was knowing and intentional, whether the officer’s orders were lawful, and whether the defendant’s conduct constituted constitutionally protected speech rather than physical obstruction.

The court at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046 serves the entire independent city of Falls Church. Cases are heard under the Seventeenth Judicial District, and the proceedings move through arraignment, pretrial motions, and trial. If you are charged with obstruction, having an attorney familiar with the practices of the Falls Church courts can make a material difference in how your case is resolved.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Obstruction of Justice Cases

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, brings an insider’s understanding of how the Commonwealth builds obstruction cases. He personally oversees the firm’s criminal defense strategy, working alongside the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, whose backgrounds include former prosecutorial and law‑enforcement experience at the state level. This combination of perspectives allows the firm to assess the strength of the state’s evidence, identify procedural weaknesses, and negotiate for charge amendments or dismissal when the facts and law permit.

An obstruction defense often turns on the specific facts alleged. The firm reviews the incident thoroughly — examining body‑worn camera footage, witness statements, and the officer’s report — and then builds a defense tailored to the evidence. In many cases, the firm’s attorneys challenge the element of “knowing” interference or argue that the defendant’s actions did not constitute an obstruction under the statute because they did not physically impede the officer and consisted solely of speech or passive resistance. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in Falls Church General District Court and Circuit Court, and they understand the procedural rhythms and the expectations of the bench and the prosecution.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a multi‑state firm practicing since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). As a former prosecutor, he understands criminal procedure from both sides of the courtroom. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney and a former Virginia State Trooper, whose backgrounds provide insight into police procedures and prosecutorial decision‑making. Together with Mr. Sris, they concentrate on criminal defense in the Falls Church courts, handling everything from initial bail hearings to jury trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as obstruction of justice under Virginia law?

Under Va. Code § 18.2‑460, obstruction is knowingly impeding a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other court officer in the performance of official duties. This can include physical interference, providing false information, or threatening behavior. The prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly acted to obstruct, not just that an officer was annoyed or delayed. Mere verbal disagreement, without more, generally does not constitute obstruction. If you have been charged, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss whether your conduct actually meets the statutory definition.

What are the penalties for obstruction of justice in Falls Church?

A first-offense obstruction without threats is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; obstruction with threats, force, or impersonation of an officer is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1‑10 years imprisonment. In Falls Church, misdemeanors are heard in the General District Court while felonies proceed in the Circuit Court. A conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment and firearm rights. Because the consequences are serious, a thorough defense is essential. For case‑specific guidance, contact Mr. Sris and the firm at (888) 437‑7747.

How can a defense attorney challenge an obstruction charge?

A defense attorney can challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, argue that the defendant’s conduct was protected speech, or show that the officer’s orders were unlawful. Virginia courts require proof that the accused knowingly interfered with the officer’s performance of official duties. If the officer was acting outside the scope of their authority, or if the defendant merely asked questions or expressed disagreement without physical obstruction, the charge may be dismissed or reduced. The firm’s attorneys examine the incident thoroughly and present a defense tailored to the facts. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What should I do if I am charged with obstruction in Falls Church?

If you are charged with obstruction of justice, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any evidence, such as video recordings or witness contact information. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that your legal rights are protected from the start. In Falls Church, the firm can appear at your initial appearance and bond hearing and begin building your defense immediately. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

Can obstruction of justice charges be expunged in Virginia?

Virginia allows expungement of obstruction charges if the matter was dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in an acquittal. Under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person whose charge ends in a non‑conviction disposition may petition the circuit court to expunge the arrest and court records. Convictions generally cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in the circuit court where the charge was brought, and an experienced attorney can guide you through the process. To discuss whether your obstruction charge qualifies for expungement, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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