Arlington County Criminal Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Criminal offenses in Virginia are defined by the Code of Virginia, primarily in Title 18.2. Crimes are classified as either misdemeanors (punishable by up to 12 months in jail) or felonies (punishable by one year or more in prison). The specific elements of each crime—such as intent, action, and result—are detailed in individual statutes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this detailed statutory knowledge to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court & Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the official Virginia Criminal Code (Title 18.2). For Arlington County court procedures, forms, and scheduling, visit the Arlington General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process
The criminal process in Arlington County typically begins at the General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Arlington Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Road handles a high volume of cases. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for Arlington County are generally professional but seek convictions.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea. An attorney can argue for personal recognizance bond.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your lawyer obtains police reports and evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-trial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed based on legal defects.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or is bound over to Circuit Court for felonies.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Arlington County, criminal penalties are set by Virginia law and depend on the offense classification, with incarceration, fines, and long-term collateral consequences all possible.
| Offense | Classification (Va. Code) | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | No | Restitution, permanent theft record |
| Possession of Marijuana (§ 18.2-250.1) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension for 6 months | Drug education program, community service |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Value ≥ $1,000) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | No | Felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Felony Drug Distribution | Felony (Various sections) | 5-40 years | Up to $500,000 | Mandatory suspension | Mandatory minimum sentences, asset forfeiture |
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 effectiveness of your legal representation.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense. We maintain a focus on Virginia law and local court procedures. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved documented favorable outcomes for clients across our firm-wide practice in VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our approach focuses on thorough case investigation and assertive advocacy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense in Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 2100 Clarendon Blvd is less than a mile from the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve as a criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods of Clarendon, Ballston, Virginia Square, and Courthouse. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested in Arlington County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 assistance.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Virginia?
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to 12 months in jail. Felonies are more serious offenses with potential prison sentences exceeding one year. Classification depends on the specific statute (Va. Code § 18.2-11).
How long does a criminal case take in Arlington General District Court?
Misdemeanor cases in Arlington GDC typically take 3-9 months from arrest to resolution. Felony cases bound over to Circuit Court can take 12-24 months. Timelines vary based on case complexity and court scheduling.
Can a criminal charge be expunged in Virginia?
Yes, under specific conditions. Virginia law (Va. Code § 19.2-392.2) allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi. Charges resulting in conviction are generally not eligible. An attorney can review your eligibility.
What are the potential penalties for a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia?
Up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Additional consequences can include probation, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our Alexandria criminal lawyer and Fairfax County criminal lawyer pages detail local procedures. In the same Arlington court, you may need a traffic lawyer or a DUI lawyer. Learn more about Attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.