Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
You need immediate legal help if facing criminal charges in Fairfax County. Contact our criminal defense lawyers 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia’s criminal code (Va. Code Title 18.2) defines offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Class 1 misdemeanors include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases at the Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
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 criminal statutes from the General Assembly.
- Fairfax County General District Court — Court website with forms, fees, and procedures.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes cases aggressively. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal for eligible first-time offenses.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Fairfax County GDC to enter a plea. Not guilty pleas set the case for trial.
- Discovery and motions: Your attorney obtains police reports and evidence. Motions to suppress may be filed for procedural violations.
- Trial or negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur before a judge in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Fairfax County Circuit Court for new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties from 6 months to 10+ years incarceration depending on classification.
| 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, firearm restrictions |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Employment background issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program eligible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Why Choose Our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. In Fairfax County specifically, we have achieved 501 results with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Case Results
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. This represents a 97% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court serves clients at the Fairfax County courts on Chain Bridge Road. We represent clients throughout Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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
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 legal guidance.