Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Falls Church criminal charges are serious matters prosecuted at Falls Church General District Court under Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 18.2-57 (assault). A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide a strong defense for your case.
In Falls Church, criminal charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, each with specific penalties and procedures at the local court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Falls Church, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and adjudicated at the Falls Church General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felonies proceeding to Falls Church Circuit Court for trial.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia legislature website. For court-specific information, visit the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Court Process
The criminal process in Falls Church follows specific local procedures. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings occur at Falls Church General District Court on Park Avenue.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You formally hear charges and enter a plea at Falls Church GDC.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials are held in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if there’s enough evidence for a Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. GDC convictions can be appealed to Falls Church Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Falls Church
In Falls Church, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the 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 typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 (Class 5 discretionary) | None | Felony record, significant restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Our Experience in Falls Church Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal cases in Falls Church. We focus on providing full representation, using our experience to handle the details of your defense in the local court system.
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 Falls Church
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented criminal defense results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Falls Church
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue), accessible via Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and I-66. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Falls Church City Hall and the West Falls Church Metro station.
We serve the Falls Church area and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church 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 Falls Church, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 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 Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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. Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Falls Church, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. 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.