In Fairfax County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County, including 336 dismissals. An Arson Lawyer Fairfax County can help you understand your defense options.
Virginia Criminal Law and Your Fairfax County Case
Virginia criminal law, codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defines offenses ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felonies (1-5 years in prison). Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. An Arson Lawyer Fairfax County understands the specific statutes that apply to fire-related charges under Va. Code § 18.2-77 (arson) and related offenses. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Resources for Your Case
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly legislative information system. For court procedures, dockets, and forms, visit the Fairfax County General District Court official website.
What to Expect in Fairfax County General District Court
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Your first appearance is typically an arraignment where you enter a plea. An arson charge defense lawyer Fairfax County can guide you through each step.
- Arrest or summons issued by Fairfax County police or magistrate.
- Initial appearance at Fairfax County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- Sentencing or appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. A fire-related criminal charge lawyer Fairfax County can explain the specific penalties for your case.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fairfax County Criminal Case
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 documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have 501 documented results in Fairfax County alone: 336 dismissed or not guilty, 143 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate in this jurisdiction.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed or not guilty, 143 reduced or amended, 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Examples include:
- Non-compliance with VASAP: Sentence/Probation Revoked — Fairfax County GDC
- Dangerous Dog That Bit Person: 179 days jail with 179 suspended — Fairfax County General District Court
- Obtain Money on False Pretense ≥ $200.00 Felony: Reduced to misdemeanor; 180 days, 176 suspended — Fairfax County General District Court
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location — Serving All of Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Searching for a “criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax” or “criminal defense attorney near Fairfax County Courthouse”? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fairfax County
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at Fairfax County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
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 approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fairfax County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County DUI Lawyer
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Fairfax Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.