Obstruction of Justice Lawyer Arlington County, VA
Obstruction of justice is a serious criminal charge in Virginia. Under Va. Code § 18.2-460, a person commits obstruction by knowingly impeding a law enforcement officer, judge, or other court official in the performance of their duties. The most common charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the obstruction involves threats of bodily harm, force, or impersonation of a law enforcement officer, the charge rises to a Class 5 felony, punishable by one to ten years in prison. The charge can arise from a wide range of conduct — from failing to comply with a lawful order to physically resisting an officer. Even a verbal exchange that an officer perceives as hindering an investigation can lead to an arrest. A conviction can result in incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. If you are facing an obstruction charge in Arlington County, experienced legal representation is important. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state firm founded in 1997. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to obstruction of justice defense. Results may vary. We appear regularly in Arlington County courts and understand the local procedures. To discuss your case, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Obstruction of Justice Means in Arlington County
Arlington County is part of Virginia’s Seventeenth Judicial District. Obstruction of justice cases are prosecuted by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard in the county’s two primary courts. Misdemeanor obstruction charges — the most common category — are handled in the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. That court conducts arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials for Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors. Felony obstruction charges, including those involving threats or force under Va. Code § 18.2-460(B), proceed to the Arlington County Circuit Court, which handles felony trials and appeals from the General District Court.
Defendants in Arlington County have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge that carries potential jail time. The county’s courts follow the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure, and local practice includes pretrial motions, possible plea discussions with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and, when appropriate, consideration of first-offender or diversion programs. Because a conviction can carry collateral consequences beyond the immediate sentence — including effects on security clearances for many federal employees and contractors in the Arlington area — understanding the procedural landscape is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly appear in these courts and are familiar with the expectations of the local bench and prosecution.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Obstruction of Justice Cases
Defending an obstruction charge requires a careful examination of the facts, the officer’s account, and the applicable legal standards. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly obstructed a protected official in the performance of lawful duties. Our team reviews every element: whether the officer was engaged in a lawful duty, whether the defendant’s conduct was truly obstructive, and whether the conduct was willful. Many obstruction charges arise during emotionally charged encounters where a defendant’s words or physical actions may have been reactive rather than intentional obstruction. Constitutional considerations, including First Amendment protections for speech directed at law enforcement, may also be relevant.
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel — who include a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland prosecutor — bring a combined perspective that informs both trial strategy and pretrial negotiation. This background provides insight into how law enforcement officers build cases and how prosecutors evaluate them. We work to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, to negotiate charge amendments where possible, and to present thorough defenses at trial when necessary. Every case is different, and we approach each one with an emphasis on protecting the client’s record and future.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he established the firm in 1997 and has built a multi-state practice serving clients in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in all five firm jurisdictions and concentrates his practice on criminal defense, family law, and complex civil litigation.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive collective experience in criminal defense. Among them are a former Virginia State Trooper with thorough knowledge of law enforcement procedures and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Together, they provide the insight needed to challenge the state’s evidence from multiple angles. We maintain an Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, by appointment only. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Obstruction of justice under Va. Code § 18.2-460 is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the obstruction involves threats of bodily harm, force, or impersonation of a law enforcement officer, it becomes a Class 5 felony. A felony conviction carries a sentence of one to ten years in prison and can result in the loss of civil rights, including firearm possession. A permanent record may affect employment, professional licenses, and housing. For guidance specific to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against obstruction of justice charges in Arlington County?
A defense strategy may challenge the evidence, question whether the defendant’s actions actually obstructed a law enforcement officer, or argue that the defendant’s conduct was protected speech. Our team examines the officer’s report, body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and the circumstances of the encounter. We assess whether the officer was engaged in a lawful duty and whether the defendant acted with the required intent. In some cases, we may seek to negotiate a charge amendment with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. To discuss your defense, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am facing an obstruction of justice charge?
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve any relevant photographs, videos, or messages. Early legal involvement can influence how the prosecution views the case and whether alternative resolutions are possible. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides legal representation in Arlington County obstruction cases. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Where are obstruction of justice cases heard in Arlington County?
Misdemeanor obstruction cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Felony obstruction charges proceed to the Arlington County Circuit Court. The Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals from the General District Court. Proceedings are governed by the Virginia Rules of Criminal Procedure. To learn how your case may proceed, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes, because a conviction can have serious long-term consequences, including jail time and a permanent criminal record. Even a misdemeanor obstruction conviction can affect employment, security clearances, and professional licenses. An experienced defense attorney can assess the strength of the state’s case, identify procedural errors, and work to protect your rights at every stage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing obstruction charges in Arlington County. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Can an obstruction charge be expunged in Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement of charges that resulted in an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. If your obstruction charge was resolved in your favor, you may petition the Arlington County Circuit Court for expungement. The process requires a showing that the continued existence of the record constitutes a manifest injustice. An attorney can help you evaluate your eligibility and prepare the petition. For more information, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Learn more about our criminal defense services in neighboring jurisdictions:
Fairfax County Criminal Defense |
Prince William County Criminal Defense |
Loudoun County Criminal Defense |
Stafford County Criminal Defense
Helpful Virginia legal resources:
Virginia Code § 18.2-460 (Obstruction of Justice) |
Arlington County General District Court |
Virginia Judicial System
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