In Fairfax County, carjacking is a Class 3 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1 carrying 5-20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County, including 336 dismissals/not guilty verdicts. A Carjacking Lawyer Fairfax County from our firm can build your defense.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-58.1 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, carjacking is defined as intentionally seizing or taking control of a motor vehicle from another person by force, threat, or intimidation. The statute specifically covers taking a vehicle from the driver or passenger while the vehicle is occupied. This offense is classified as a violent felony under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1, distinct from grand larceny auto under § 18.2-95. A carjacking charge defense lawyer Fairfax County must understand this distinction to build an effective strategy.
For the full statutory language, see Va. Code § 18.2-58.1 (Carjacking) on the Virginia General Assembly website. The Fairfax County General District Court handles preliminary hearings for carjacking cases at Fairfax County General District Court.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a magistrate at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Bond is set based on the severity of the charge and your criminal history.
- Preliminary Hearing: Within 21-60 days, the General District Court determines if probable cause exists to send the case to the grand jury.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The Fairfax County Circuit Court grand jury reviews evidence and issues an indictment if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea in Circuit Court. The judge sets a trial date, typically 3-9 months from arrest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenge identification procedures, or dismiss the case based on insufficient evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to jury trial in Circuit Court, or your attorney negotiates a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In Fairfax County, carjacking under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1 carries 5-20 years in prison as a Class 3 felony, with potential for life sentencing if a firearm is used.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carjacking (no weapon) | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | 1-year license suspension | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights |
| Carjacking with firearm | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | 1-year license suspension | Mandatory minimum 5 years; federal charges possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with over a decade of litigation experience, and Matthew Greene, who brings 30+ years of criminal defense experience including death penalty certification. Together, they provide full representation for carjacking charges in Fairfax County.
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 501 documented results: 336 dismissed or not guilty, 143 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate. These results include cases involving felony charges where charges were reduced to misdemeanors or dismissed entirely.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County General District Court 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.
Looking for a Carjacking Lawyer Fairfax County near you? Our Fairfax office is centrally located to serve all communities in the county.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
What is the penalty for carjacking in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, carjacking is a Class 3 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-58.1 carrying 5-20 years in prison. If a firearm is used, it becomes a Class 2 felony with 20 years to life.
Can carjacking charges be reduced in Fairfax County?
It depends. If the prosecution cannot prove force or intimidation, charges may be reduced to grand larceny auto under Va. Code § 18.2-95, which carries 1-20 years. A vehicle theft defense lawyer Fairfax County can negotiate this reduction.
How long does a carjacking case take in Fairfax County?
A typical carjacking case takes 3-9 months from arrest to trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court. The preliminary hearing in General District Court occurs within 21-60 days of arrest.
Do I need a lawyer for a carjacking charge in Fairfax County?
Yes. Carjacking is a violent felony carrying a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record and results in loss of firearm rights. A Carjacking Lawyer Fairfax County can challenge evidence and negotiate for reduced charges.
What defenses are available for carjacking in Fairfax County?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of force or intimidation, consent by the vehicle owner, and insufficient evidence. Your attorney may also challenge the legality of the traffic stop or arrest.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Related pages: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer | Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County DUI Lawyer | Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer