Fairfax County Obstruction Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Obstruction of justice in Fairfax County is a serious charge under Va. Code § 18.2-460, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Law
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it illegal to knowingly obstruct a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, physically interfering, or fleeing to avoid arrest. The charge is often paired with resisting arrest, which is addressed under a separate subsection. The Commonwealth must prove you acted willfully and knowingly to impede an official proceeding or investigation.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the obstruction statute, visit the official Virginia Code § 18.2-460. Court procedures and filing information for Fairfax County can be found on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Obstruction Charges
In Fairfax County, obstruction of justice cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Fairfax County General District Court. Prosecutors often treat these charges seriously as they relate to law enforcement authority. A key local procedural fact is that the court will closely examine whether the officer’s underlying order or action was lawful. If the officer was acting outside their legal authority, your obstruction may be justified.
- You will be served a summons or warrant and given a court date for Fairfax County General District Court.
- At your arraignment, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions, which may include challenging the legality of the underlying police contact.
- If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- You have an absolute right to appeal a guilty verdict to the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, obstruction of justice is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, and 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; possible impact on employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. |
| Obstruction of Justice (Felony – involving force) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record; loss of civil rights (voting, firearm possession). |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Obstruction Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County specifically, we have documented 501 results. Our team understands that an obstruction charge often stems from a tense interaction, and we build defenses that highlight context, lack of criminal intent, and police procedure errors.
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 Fairfax County
Our obstruction defense lawyer Fairfax County team has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes. In Fairfax County, we have 501 documented criminal case results, including 336 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts and 143 charges reduced or amended. For example, our attorneys have successfully argued for dismissals where the obstruction was deemed incidental or where the officer’s command was unclear or unlawful. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County Courts
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County General District Court. If you need an obstruction of justice defense lawyer Fairfax County or a resisting arrest defense lawyer Fairfax County, we are accessible. We serve communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
FAQs: Obstruction of Justice Defense in Fairfax County
What is the penalty for obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Obstruction of justice is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 under Va. Code § 18.2-460. If the obstruction involves a threat of force, it can be charged as a Class 5 felony.
Can I be charged with obstruction for just arguing with a police officer?
It depends. Mere verbal argument, without a clear intent to impede the officer’s duties, is generally not enough for a conviction. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and willfully obstructed. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Fairfax County can argue that your conduct was protected speech and not criminal obstruction.
What’s the difference between obstruction of justice and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction covered under Va. Code § 18.2-460(C). Obstruction is a broader charge that can include giving false information, hiding evidence, or interfering with an investigation. You can be charged with both from a single incident.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge in Fairfax County?
Yes. Even as a misdemeanor, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney vigorously prosecutes these cases. A lawyer can challenge the evidence and seek dismissal or reduction.
What are common defenses to an obstruction charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t knowingly obstruct), mistake of fact, that the officer was not engaged in a lawful duty, or that your conduct was protected by the First Amendment. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Fairfax County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Related Practice Areas: For related legal help, see our pages for DUI defense in Fairfax and general criminal defense in Fairfax.
More Local Help: We also serve clients in Fairfax City and Falls Church.
Statewide Resource: Learn more about our approach on our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.