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, while felonies can mean years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our Fairfax location provides 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747, meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law covers offenses from misdemeanors to felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Fairfax County court information is available at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or preliminary hearing for felony charges.
- For felonies, indictment and transfer to Fairfax County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or participation in diversion programs like first offender.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with assault and battery under § 18.2-57 as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective orders, employment issues |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, bringing over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County specifically, we have 501 documented criminal defense results.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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
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, with a 97% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Location
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.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(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 Services
For Virginia criminal defense 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 cases and family law matters. Learn more about our criminal defense attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.