Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia
Falls Church criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor provides a strong defense at Falls Church General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Review the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) for the complete statute. The Falls Church General District Court website provides local procedures and forms.
Falls Church Criminal Court Process
Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate.
- Arraignment at Falls Church GDC to hear charges and enter plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Trial preparation or plea negotiation with the prosecutor.
- Trial at GDC or sentencing if a plea is reached.
- Appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court if convicted.
Falls Church Criminal Penalties
In Falls Church, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft conviction record |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Public disturbance record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, prison time |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
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 legal experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of a criminal case.
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 results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Falls Church
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue). We are accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495, near Falls Church City Hall and the West Falls Church Metro.
We serve the Falls Church area and surrounding communities. 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
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Falls Church, we handle related matters like DUI defense and family law. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background.
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 guidance.