In Fairfax County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for misdemeanors; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County General District Court. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense. 24/7 consultations available.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses primarily under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). 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 1 (life imprisonment) to Class 6 (1-5 years). Sentencing follows Va. Code § 19.2-295.1. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under § 19.2-392.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code § 18.2
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Fairfax County General District Court — Official Virginia Courts Website
Insider Knowledge: Fairfax County Court Procedures
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Step 1: Arrest and initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination.
- Step 2: Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Step 3: Discovery phase — prosecutor must disclose evidence within 14 days of request.
- Step 4: Pre-trial motions (suppression, discovery violations) heard before trial date.
- Step 5: Trial in General District Court or preliminary hearing for felony cases.
- Step 6: Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days if convicted in GDC.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges 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.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has secured 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Proven Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable — a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Notable case: Bond motion for solicitation of minor on the internet under Va. Code § 18.2-374.3 — bond granted on conditions at Fairfax General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location is minutes from Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road), accessible via I-66 and Route 50.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County? We serve all surrounding communities.
Neighborhoods served: Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
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: 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).
Yes, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine.
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.
Yes, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi.
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.
Yes, personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
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.
Yes, even misdemeanors carry jail time and a permanent record.
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.
Yes, GDC handles misdemeanors; Circuit Court handles felonies and appeals.
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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.