Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fairfax County, charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials held at the Fairfax County Circuit Court. The law classifies offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Class 1-4) and felonies (Class 1-6).
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fairfax County court information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at the Fairfax County General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials move to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, are formally advised of charges, and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial Conference: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, exploring reductions or diversions.
- Motion Hearing: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment barriers |
| 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) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of civil rights |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Substance abuse assessment, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Fairfax County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. In Fairfax County, we have a documented track record of 501 criminal defense results. Our attorneys include a former Virginia State Trooper and a former Maryland prosecutor, providing unique insight into law enforcement procedures and prosecution strategies.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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
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, representing a 97% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent clients from 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.
Fairfax Location — 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
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Fairfax City and Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving charges. Learn more about our criminal defense attorneys.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.