Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
You face criminal prosecution by the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney at the General District Court on Chain Bridge Road. Even misdemeanor convictions create permanent records affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies crimes in Title 18.2 of the Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 4 (fine only) to Class 1 (up to 12 months jail). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). Specific offenses like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and drug possession (§ 18.2-250) have defined penalties. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor with accounting background, provides strategic defense for complex financial and tech-related cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute database
- Fairfax County General District Court — Court website with forms and procedures
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes all cases. You have the right to a jury trial for any jail-eligible offense, requiring transfer to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center for bond determination.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Attend arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road) to enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or negotiate a plea agreement with prosecutors.
- Appeal or Circuit Court transfer: For felony charges, proceed to preliminary hearing in GDC, then transfer to Fairfax County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to decades in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines under Va. Code § 19.2-295.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, firearm prohibition |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment consequences |
| First-offense Marijuana Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Drug Distribution | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Mandatory minimum for certain weights |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience across its attorney team. With 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, we provide full representation for criminal defense matters. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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
Case Results in Fairfax County
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, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate for clients facing assault, theft, drug, and DUI charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts on Chain Bridge Road. We represent residents throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courts, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only at our Fairfax location.
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 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 — Statewide hub page
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — Of Counsel attorney
- Fairfax Office Location — Our Fairfax location
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.