Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Fairfax County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense strategies for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases heard at Fairfax County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors include Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) and Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Fairfax County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Fairfax County Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road) to hear charges and enter plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Bench trial for misdemeanors in GDC or plea negotiation for reduced charges.
- For felony charges, preliminary hearing in GDC then jury trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal based on trial outcome or plea agreement.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail, Class 6 felonies 1-5 years, with specific statutes governing each offense.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 5 felony or Class 1 misdemeanor | 1-10 years or up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Fairfax County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Fairfax County criminal cases. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards. We maintain a 97% favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results.
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 Criminal Defense 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, with 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate for Fairfax County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County Courts
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent residents throughout 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
(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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide hub page
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — neighboring locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby city
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — former prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location — schedule appointment
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.