Don’t face Virginia law by yourself. Obtain powerful representation.
When you are confronted with a legal challenge, the path forward can seem uncertain and overwhelming. For over two decades, I and my colleagues at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have dedicated our careers to providing clarity, strength, and strategic direction to individuals, families, and businesses across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We understand that the legal system is not merely a collection of rules; it is a complex arena where your life, liberty, and future are on the line. Our approach is built on a foundation of deep legal knowledge, extensive courtroom experience, and an unwavering commitment to the people we represent.
Whether you are navigating the emotional turmoil of a divorce, facing the severe consequences of a criminal charge, fighting to keep your driving privileges, seeking a new life in the United States, launching a business, or planning for your family’s future, the principles of effective legal representation remain the same: meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and powerful advocacy. This is the standard we bring to every case, for every client. We are not just legal technicians; we are counselors and advocates dedicated to safeguarding your interests.
Family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally charged, requiring a legal approach that is both compassionate and resolute. Our attorneys handle all aspects of domestic relations, from divorce and property division to child custody and support, always focused on protecting your family’s well-being and financial security.
Navigating family law in Virginia requires a nuanced understanding of Title 20 of the Code of Virginia, which governs divorce, custody, and support. As a seasoned attorney, I have seen firsthand how these cases can impact every facet of a person’s life. Our firm approaches these sensitive matters with the gravity they deserve. We guide clients through the complexities of both uncontested and contested divorces, ensuring they understand the process from filing the initial complaint to the final decree. A primary concern in many divorces is the division of assets. Virginia is an “equitable distribution” state, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split. We work diligently to identify, value, and argue for a fair distribution of marital property, from real estate to retirement accounts, including complex assets like military pensions in military divorce cases.
When children are involved, the stakes are even higher. We are staunch advocates for our clients in matters of child custody and visitation, focusing on arrangements that serve the best interests of the child while protecting our client’s parental rights. This extends to establishing fair child support obligations based on Virginia’s statutory guidelines. We also handle modifications of existing custody and support orders when life’s circumstances change. Furthermore, we assist with prenuptial and separation agreements, protective orders in cases of domestic violence, and the joyous process of adoption, providing comprehensive legal support for every stage of your family’s journey.
When you are charged with a crime in Virginia, your freedom and reputation are at immediate risk. A strong defense begins the moment you are arrested. We provide an aggressive and strategic defense against all felony and misdemeanor charges, leveraging our extensive knowledge of Virginia’s criminal code and court procedures.
The Virginia criminal justice system, overseen by institutions like the Circuit and General District Courts, can be intimidating. The prosecution has the resources of the state, and you need a defense team that can level the playing field. My experience defending clients across the Commonwealth has taught me that a successful defense is built on a thorough investigation of the facts and a masterful understanding of the law as outlined in Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia. We scrutinize every piece of evidence, from police reports and witness statements to forensic analysis, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, procedural errors, and violations of your constitutional rights.
Our firm defends clients against a wide array of charges, including but not limited to drug possession and distribution, assault and battery, malicious wounding, theft crimes like grand and petit larceny, and weapons offenses. We understand the nuances that differentiate these charges and the specific defense strategies each requires. We also guide clients through related processes such as bail and bond hearings, arraignments, and probation violation hearings. For those seeking a fresh start, we provide counsel on the process of expungement to clear a past criminal record. Our goal is to fight for the best possible outcome, whether that is a dismissal of charges, a favorable plea agreement, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.
A traffic charge in Virginia, especially for offenses like reckless driving or DUI, can have consequences far beyond a simple fine, including license suspension, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. We take these charges seriously, providing a robust defense aimed at minimizing the impact on your driving record and your life.
Many people underestimate the severity of traffic laws in Virginia. A reckless driving charge, for instance, is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the same class as a first-offense DUI. I have spent countless hours in traffic courts across Virginia defending clients against these and other serious charges. We meticulously examine the circumstances of the stop, the calibration of radar or lidar equipment, the officer’s training, and the procedures followed during the arrest. For DUI/DWI cases, we challenge the validity of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the results of breathalyzer or blood tests, including issues related to Virginia’s implied consent law.
Our practice covers the full spectrum of traffic defense, from fighting a simple speeding ticket that could impact your demerit points to defending against complex charges like driving on a suspended license or hit and run. We have particular experience representing commercial drivers (CDL holders), who face career-ending consequences for even minor violations. We know how to negotiate with prosecutors and present compelling arguments to judges to seek reductions, dismissals, or alternative resolutions that protect your license and your livelihood.
An accusation of a sex crime can destroy a person’s life before a trial ever begins. These cases demand an immediate, discreet, and aggressive defense strategy. We are committed to protecting the rights of the accused, challenging the evidence, and fighting the devastating consequences of these charges, including the sex offender registry.
In my 20-plus years of practice, I have seen few areas of law as fraught with peril for the accused as sex crime defense. The social stigma alone can be crippling. The legal consequences, governed by strict Virginia statutes, are severe, often involving long prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Our firm handles these sensitive cases with the utmost seriousness and discretion. We defend clients against a range of allegations, including sexual assault, sexual battery, solicitation of a minor, and possession of child pornography. A cornerstone of our defense is a relentless investigation into the facts and a challenge to the credibility of the accuser.
We understand the profound impact of false allegations and work tirelessly to expose inconsistencies, ulterior motives, and lack of corroborating evidence. The defense requires a deep understanding of forensic evidence, digital forensics in online cases, and the psychological factors at play. We fight not only to prevent a conviction but also to mitigate the collateral damage of an accusation. For clients already on the registry, we explore every available legal avenue for removal or modification of registration requirements. Your constitutional right to be presumed innocent is paramount, and we will defend it vigorously at every stage.
United States immigration law is a labyrinth of complex statutes, regulations, and procedures, where a small mistake can have life-altering consequences. Our firm provides knowledgeable guidance to families, individuals, and businesses navigating the U.S. immigration system, from visas and green cards to citizenship and deportation defense.
The dream of living and working in the United States is a powerful one, but the legal reality is incredibly complex. Our immigration practice is dedicated to helping clients achieve that dream. We work with clients through the entire process, interacting with key agencies like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and representing them in venues like the Arlington Immigration Court. Our experience spans the full range of immigration matters. We assist families in obtaining green cards through marriage or other family-based petitions and help unite couples with K-1 fiancé visas.
For those facing removal from the U.S., our deportation defense attorneys provide a crucial line of defense, exploring options such as asylum, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief. We also help individuals on their path to becoming U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, ensuring their N-400 applications are prepared accurately and thoroughly. For businesses and professionals, we handle employment-based immigration, including H-1B visas for skilled workers. Our deep understanding of federal immigration law allows us to provide the strategic counsel needed to navigate this challenging but rewarding legal field.
From formation to dissolution, businesses in Virginia require sound legal counsel to thrive and avoid costly disputes. We serve as trusted advisors to entrepreneurs and established companies, assisting with entity formation, contract drafting and review, and aggressive representation in business litigation.
In the competitive world of business, legal foresight is a critical asset. As a business law attorney with decades of experience, I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs lay a solid legal foundation for their ventures. This starts with choosing the right business structure, whether it’s an LLC, S-Corp, or partnership, and drafting the foundational documents like operating agreements or shareholder agreements. A well-crafted structure protects your personal assets and provides a clear framework for governance and growth.
Contracts are the lifeblood of any business. We provide meticulous contract review and drafting services to ensure your agreements are clear, enforceable, and protective of your interests. This includes employment contracts, non-compete agreements, vendor contracts, and more. When disputes arise, as they inevitably can, our business litigation team is prepared to advocate for you. We handle breach of contract claims, partnership disputes, and other commercial conflicts. Our goal is to find the most effective and efficient resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation, or tenacious representation in court, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Effective estate planning is about more than just distributing assets; it’s about protecting your family, preserving your legacy, and ensuring your wishes are honored. We provide comprehensive estate planning services, creating customized wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to secure your family’s future.
Thinking about the end of life is difficult, but failing to plan for it can create immense hardship for the loved ones you leave behind. My role as an estate planning attorney is to provide peace of mind. We sit down with clients to understand their unique family dynamics, financial situations, and personal wishes. Based on this, we craft a tailored estate plan. This may involve a last will and testament to direct the distribution of your property and name guardians for minor children. For others, a revocable living trust may be a more appropriate tool to manage assets during their lifetime and avoid the time-consuming and public probate process in Virginia.
A complete plan also addresses potential incapacity. We prepare durable powers of attorney and advance medical directives (living wills) to ensure that trusted individuals can manage your financial and healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. When a loved one passes away, we also guide families through the probate and estate administration process with compassion and efficiency. Planning today is a gift you give your family tomorrow.
After decades of practice, I have seen clients make the same preventable errors that can significantly harm their cases. Avoiding these common pitfalls is crucial.
Clients often come to us unsure of their rights and options. Here are a few common situations we handle:
The Client’s Question: “My ex-spouse and I cannot agree on a custody schedule for our children, and they are threatening to move out of state. How is child custody determined in VA, and how can I protect my relationship with my kids?”
Our Approach: We first explain the “best interests of the child” standard under Virginia law, detailing the specific factors a judge must consider. We then work with the client to gather evidence demonstrating their strong, positive involvement in the child’s life—school records, testimony from teachers, and documentation of their role as a primary caregiver. We file the appropriate motions with the court to prevent the relocation of the children pending a final custody determination and aggressively negotiate for a parenting plan that maximizes our client’s time and preserves their parental rights.
The Client’s Question: “I was arrested for my first DUI in Prince William County. I’m scared I’ll go to jail, lose my job, and have a criminal record. What are the penalties, and can you help me fight this?”
Our Approach: We immediately obtain all evidence from the prosecutor, including the police report and any bodycam or dashcam footage. We analyze the traffic stop for legality, scrutinize the administration of the field sobriety tests for errors, and examine the breathalyzer’s maintenance and calibration records. We explain the potential penalties but also outline a defense strategy. This could involve challenging the evidence in a motion to suppress or preparing for trial. We also counsel the client on proactive steps, like completing the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), to show the court they are taking the matter seriously, which can be a powerful mitigating factor.
The Client’s Question: “My U.S. citizen spouse and I are trying to apply for my green card. The paperwork is overwhelming, and we’re afraid of making a mistake that could lead to a denial or even deportation. Can you help?”
Our Approach: We take over the entire process. Our team meticulously prepares the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and the I-485 Application to Adjust Status. We assemble all required supporting documentation, from birth certificates and financial records to extensive proof of a bona fide marriage. We prepare the clients thoroughly for the USCIS interview, conducting mock interviews to build their confidence. By managing the process professionally, we minimize the risk of errors, respond effectively to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and provide the clients with peace of mind, knowing their case is in capable hands.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a significant presence in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun County), the Richmond metro area, and Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake).
In community property states, marital assets are typically split 50/50. In Virginia, an equitable distribution state, the court divides property fairly, but not necessarily equally. The judge considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions (monetary and non-monetary), and the circumstances leading to the divorce.
Functionally, there is no difference in Virginia. The terms are used interchangeably. The relevant statute, Code of Virginia § 18.2-266, makes it illegal to drive while intoxicated, and a conviction is commonly referred to as a DUI or DWI.
If you have minor children, you must be separated for one full year before a divorce can be finalized. If you have no minor children and have a signed separation agreement, the separation period is six months. An uncontested divorce can be completed relatively quickly after the separation period, while a contested divorce can take much longer.
Expungement is possible in Virginia, but only for charges where you were found not guilty, the charge was nolle prosequi (dropped by the prosecutor), or otherwise dismissed. In most cases, you cannot expunge a conviction for which you were found guilty.
It is highly recommended. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, six demerit points on your driving record, possible license suspension, and even jail time. A seasoned traffic defense attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense or find grounds for dismissal.
A probation violation is a serious matter. A judge can revoke your probation and impose the original jail or prison sentence that was suspended. You have the right to a hearing, and a lawyer can present mitigating evidence or challenge the allegation of a violation.
Yes. A will ensures that what you do have goes to the people you choose. More importantly, if you have minor children, a will is the only document where you can nominate a guardian for them. Without a will, Virginia law (intestacy statutes) will dictate how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
The filing fee with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is $100. However, the cost of hiring an attorney to ensure the LLC is formed correctly, draft a comprehensive operating agreement, and provide other foundational legal advice is a separate professional fee. Investing in proper setup can save you significant costs and legal trouble later.
When you need legal assistance, you need a law firm that is ready to act decisively on your behalf. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at 888-437-7747 to schedule a confidential case assessment.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Our attorneys will represent you with over 25 years of professional experience as seasoned legal advocates in Virginia. You can rely on us to aggressively protect your rights, develop a strong legal plan, and provide unwavering guidance at every stage.
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Criminal Defense & Family Law
Mr. SRIS Licensed in VA, MD, NJ, NY, DCOwner & CEO – Former Prosecutor