Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia — What Are Your Options?
Obstruction of justice in Alexandria is a serious offense under Virginia law, often charged alongside resisting arrest. An obstruction defense lawyer Alexandria from SRIS, P.C. can challenge the prosecution’s evidence that you intentionally hindered a law enforcement officer. With documented results in Alexandria courts, our firm provides a strong defense strategy. Contact an obstruction defense lawyer Alexandria for a case review.
Virginia Law on Obstruction of Justice
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it unlawful to knowingly obstruct a law enforcement officer in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, physically interfering, or fleeing to avoid arrest. The law requires the prosecution to prove you acted willfully and with the specific intent to impede the officer.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of how these charges are constructed and how to counter them effectively.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for Alexandria are handled at the Alexandria General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Obstruction Charges
In Alexandria, obstruction and resisting arrest charges are typically heard in the Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly and willfully impeded an officer. A common defense is arguing a lack of specific intent or that the officer’s commands were unclear.
- Initial Appearance: You will be arraigned, and the charges will be formally read.
- Review Evidence: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements through discovery.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC.
- Appeal if Necessary: If convicted in GDC, you have an absolute right to a new trial (de novo) in Alexandria Circuit Court before a jury.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction and Resisting Arrest
In Alexandria, obstruction of justice is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Resisting arrest is also a Class 1 misdemeanor with identical penalties. Convictions create a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; can affect employment, housing, professional licenses. |
| Resisting Arrest (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Often charged together; viewed negatively by courts and future employers. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Alexandria Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand that an obstruction or resisting arrest charge in Alexandria can stem from a moment of confusion or fear. Our approach is to meticulously review all evidence, including police body camera footage, to defend your rights and challenge the intent element required for a conviction.
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
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 Alexandria
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against obstruction-related charges in Alexandria courts. Strategies have included securing dismissals by demonstrating a lack of intent, having charges amended to lesser offenses, and achieving favorable outcomes at trial. For example, our team has handled cases involving probation violations in federal court, applying rigorous defense tactics.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and multi-state practice adds depth to our defense strategies.
Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near Alexandria
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Alexandria courts. We represent individuals in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-460, obstruction of justice is knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer. This can be physical interference, providing false identification, or fleeing. The key element the prosecution must prove is your specific intent to hinder the officer.
Is resisting arrest the same as obstruction in Alexandria?
It is a related charge under the same statute. Resisting arrest specifically involves preventing an officer from lawfully arresting you or another person. Both are Class 1 misdemeanors. An obstruction of justice defense lawyer Alexandria can defend against either charge by challenging the legality of the underlying police action or your intent.
Can obstruction charges be dropped in Alexandria?
It depends. Charges may be dropped if the evidence is weak, your constitutional rights were violated, or through a successful pre-trial motion. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Alexandria can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a nolle prosequi (drop) or seek a dismissal from the judge based on the facts of your case.
What should I do if charged with obstruction?
Do not discuss the incident with police. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Contact a defense lawyer immediately. An obstruction defense lawyer Alexandria will protect your rights, secure evidence like body camera footage, and begin building your defense strategy from the first court appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor obstruction charge?
Yes. Even a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail and creates a permanent criminal record that affects jobs and housing. Prosecutors in Alexandria pursue these charges vigorously. A lawyer can often get the charge reduced or dismissed, outcomes that are very difficult to achieve on your own.
What are the defenses to an obstruction charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t know they were an officer or didn’t mean to interfere), mistake of fact, unlawful police conduct, or self-defense. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Alexandria will analyze the police report and video to identify the strongest defense for your specific situation.
Internal Links: For more on criminal defense, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. For related charges in nearby areas, consult a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington. For other legal needs in Alexandria, consider our Alexandria DUI lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.