In Arlington County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for Class 1 misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County General District Court. Former prosecutors on staff provide strong defense. 24/7 consultations by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for Arlington County criminal charges.
For official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle high-volume misdemeanor dockets. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion of terms. The court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd processes cases efficiently, but procedural missteps can cost you your rights.
- Arraignment: Appear at Arlington County GDC, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Enter your plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney requests police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth.
- Pre-trial motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Plea negotiations: Your attorney discusses reduction or dismissal with the prosecutor.
- Trial or plea: If no agreement, proceed to bench trial in GDC or request jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties within statutory ranges.
In Arlington County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. With 4,739+ documented case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide, the firm provides strong criminal defense in Arlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Additionally, Kristen M. Fisher (Of Counsel, Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney) and Matthew Greene (30+ years experience) contribute to Arlington County criminal defense cases. Kristen Fisher joined the firm in 2010 and brings firsthand prosecutorial experience from Maryland. Matthew Greene has over 30 years of experience and previously held a 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: Destruction of Property with Intent <$1,000 (Nolle Prosequi), Littering (Dismissed), and Fare Evasion (Nolle Prosequi) — all at Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2: up to 6 months/$1,000. Cases heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. Petition filed in Arlington County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to GDC.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes aggressively. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to jury trial in Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — Arlington DUI Lawyer — Arlington Family Law Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.