Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County criminal charges carry serious penalties under Va. Code Title 18.2: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, felonies 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand local court procedures at Fairfax County General District Court.
You need experienced criminal defense representation in Fairfax County to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious. Felonies range from Class 6 (least serious) to Class 1 (most serious). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Complete Virginia criminal statutes
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Court information and procedures
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases aggressively.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court to enter plea
- Discovery phase – obtain all evidence from Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Trial preparation or plea negotiation with prosecutor
- Trial at GDC or Circuit Court, or sentencing if convicted
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to lengthy imprisonment, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment, ignition interlock |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Fairfax County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We combine global advocacy with local precision in Fairfax County courts.
Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who brings 15 years of law enforcement experience, and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher, who understands prosecution strategies from the inside.
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
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.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense 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. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are accessible from major highways throughout Northern Virginia.
Criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County courthouse and surrounding communities.
We serve 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
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide criminal defense hub
- 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 – Former prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location – Visit our Fairfax location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.