Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
In Arlington County, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2 to felonies with 1-10 year sentences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide strategic defense at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common.
- Arraignment at Arlington County GDC: Formal reading of charges at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews police reports, evidence, and witness statements. Motions to suppress evidence may be filed.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial Preparation: Prosecutors may offer plea deals. If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Trial or Sentencing: Bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court. If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| 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 | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony conviction record |
| DUI First Offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250-$2,500 | 1-year suspension | Ignition interlock required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our tagline: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Arlington County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 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 Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer (Parent Hub)
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer (Sibling Locality)
- Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer (Related Practice Area)
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
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.