Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal offenses are defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, with sentencing guidelines in § 19.2-295.1 and expungement procedures in § 19.2-392.2. The Commonwealth classifies crimes as misdemeanors (punishable by up to 12 months jail) or felonies (1 year to life imprisonment). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statutes
- Fairfax County General District Court website — court procedures and contact information
Fairfax County Criminal Court Procedures
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. Fairfax County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals from GDC decisions. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes criminal cases, while first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 offer dismissal opportunities for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at your first court date. Most defendants plead not guilty initially to preserve options.
- Discovery and motion filing: Request all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation or trial preparation: Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative dispositions. Prepare for trial if no acceptable plea agreement is reached.
- Trial or disposition: Present your case at trial before a judge in General District Court or request a jury trial in Circuit Court for serious charges.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. Appeal any conviction to Circuit Court within 10 days for a new trial.
Criminal Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to lengthy imprisonment, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies can bring 1-10 years in state prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, difficulty finding employment |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program eligibility |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 1-year license suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP program |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County specifically, we have 501 criminal defense results: 336 dismissed or not guilty, 143 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Attorney
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented criminal defense results in Fairfax County: 336 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 143 charges reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes. These results represent a 97% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County criminal defense clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 serves clients at the Fairfax County courts on Chain Bridge Road. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Fairfax County General District Court for residents of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
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). 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
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. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
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. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
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. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
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. Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state-wide criminal defense hub
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — neighboring locality
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby jurisdiction
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — different practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — former prosecutor
- Fairfax Office Location — our local office
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.