Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth classifies offenses as felonies or misdemeanors based on potential penalties. A felony is any offense punishable by death or imprisonment in a state correctional facility. A misdemeanor is any offense punishable by confinement in jail or a fine, but not both (Va. Code § 18.2-8). The specific elements of each crime—such as assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57), larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-95), or drug possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250)—are defined within the code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For Fairfax County court procedures, forms, and contact information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process and Insider Perspective
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for Fairfax County occur at the Fairfax County General District Court located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Felony jury trials and appeals are handled by the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- 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: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This occurs at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, you can appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal penalties range from fines for minor infractions to decades in prison for serious felonies, with specific classifications set by 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 | 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 fine for DUI-related suspension |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1-20 years | At court’s discretion | None | Felony conviction record |
| Possession of Schedule I/II Drug (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program may be available |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
Firm Credentials and Local Recognition
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Northern Virginia. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to handling Fairfax County cases. We maintain a documented record of case outcomes to inform our defense strategies.
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, representing a 97% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts on Chain Bridge Road. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courthouses, we represent individuals from Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are 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 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 on Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our defense attorneys in Fairfax City or Falls Church. For related legal needs in Fairfax County, see our DUI/DWI lawyer or reckless driving lawyer pages. 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.