Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Fairfax County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County, including 336 dismissals and not guilty verdicts. Former prosecutors on staff. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses into categories based on severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Common charges include assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, petit larceny under § 18.2-96, and driving on a suspended license under § 46.2-301. Felony charges range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years) and more serious felonies carrying life imprisonment. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all criminal cases in the jurisdiction. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a strong defense practice across Virginia.
For the complete statutory framework, review the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures are governed by the Fairfax County General District Court rules and the Virginia Supreme Court’s Rules of Evidence.
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases aggressively, making early defense preparation critical.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment in Fairfax County General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence and witness lists.
- Pre-trial motions, including suppression hearings and plea negotiations.
- Trial before a judge in General District Court or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing hearing if convicted, or expungement petition if acquitted or dismissed.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court; felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trials.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution to victim |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension | Drug education program required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas. Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed or not guilty, 143 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. Search for “criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County” or “criminal lawyer near Fairfax.” 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
How does bail work in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fairfax County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.