Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County with 11 dismissed/not guilty and 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation for assault, theft, drug possession, and DUI cases heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Virginia criminal law defines offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, while felonies are classified from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings prosecutorial insight to defense strategy.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Felony jury trials and appeals occur at Arlington County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate.
- Arraignment and plea entry at Arlington County General District Court.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motion filing.
- Plea negotiation or trial preparation.
- Bench trial in GDC or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing or appeal to Circuit Court for new trial.
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to years in prison: 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 (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6/5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. “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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 charges reduced or amended—100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr serves clients at Arlington County courts. Criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse and surrounding neighborhoods: Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, 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.
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).
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 resources: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher 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.