Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Fairfax County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. Our former prosecutors provide full representation at Fairfax County General District Court, where we handle the details of your case from arraignment through trial or negotiation.
In Fairfax County, you have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time, and expungement is available for acquittals and dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. It defines offenses from minor infractions to serious felonies, establishing classifications, penalties, and procedures. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases in local courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from GDC.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Your first court date at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews police reports and evidence. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court before a judge. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports a trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on case details, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in Fairfax County. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 Fairfax County
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 clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent residents of 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
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax City, Falls Church, and Prince William County. In Fairfax County, we also handle DUI/DWI defense and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.