Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia
Falls Church criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church with 5 dismissed/not guilty and 1 reduced/amended. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide defense at Falls Church General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors (Va. Code § 18.2-11) carry up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors: up to 6 months/$1,000. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at 300 Park Avenue.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Review the Virginia criminal code statutes (Va. Code Title 18.2) for complete offense definitions. The Falls Church General District Court website provides local procedures, forms, and contact information.
Falls Church Criminal Court Process
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W serves Falls Church exclusively. Prosecutors routinely offer first offender programs 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 Falls Church General District Court: Formally hear charges and enter plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest) at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review prosecution evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or accept negotiated plea that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows immediately. For felony charges, preliminary hearing in GDC determines if case moves to Circuit Court for jury trial.
Falls Church Criminal Penalties
In Falls Church, criminal offenses carry penalties based on classification under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Deferred disposition available |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’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
Falls Church Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented criminal defense results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 case reduced/amended to lesser charge. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Location
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue), accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495. We represent clients throughout Falls Church and surrounding communities.
Criminal defense lawyer near Falls Church City Hall and West Falls Church Metro. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church 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 Falls Church, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% 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 Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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. Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) is the GDC location.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page | Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer | Falls Church DUI defense lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.