Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly) for the complete statute. For court procedures, 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 GDC appeals.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for a bond determination. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment in General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at your arraignment date. This is your first formal court appearance.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney requests all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Decide whether to proceed to a bench trial in GDC, request a jury trial in Circuit Court, or negotiate a plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record; possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 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+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; ineligible for certain jobs |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Documented 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 this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County, we serve 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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense lawyer. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense, family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.