Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal offenses are defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Class 1 misdemeanors (Va. Code § 18.2-11) carry up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines. Class 5 felonies (Va. Code § 18.2-10) carry 1-10 years imprisonment, while Class 6 felonies carry 1-5 years. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases at Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) from the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and locations are available at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Present your defense at trial before a judge or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigating factors at sentencing. You have 10 days to appeal a GDC conviction to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies range from 1-10 years imprisonment depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm restrictions |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment impacts |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program eligible |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 1-year suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. In Fairfax County specifically, we have achieved 501 documented criminal defense results with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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, and 5 other favorable outcomes, achieving a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results span assault, theft, drug possession, DUI, and other criminal charges handled at Fairfax County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court serves clients at Fairfax County courts. We represent individuals throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courthouse.
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 Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities 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 updated from Fairfax County court records and Virginia statutes. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.