
In Fairfax County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. A Gun Crime Lawyer Fairfax can protect your rights and freedom.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses primarily under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fairfax County, charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 6 felonies (1-5 years imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all criminal cases. A Gun Crime Lawyer Fairfax understands these statutory classifications and their direct impact on your case. 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.
For the full statutory framework, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Fairfax County General District Court (official court website).
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road processes cases efficiently. A firearms offense defense lawyer Fairfax knows the local procedures intimately.
- Arraignment: Appear at Fairfax County GDC within 21 days of arrest for misdemeanor charges.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth.
- Pre-trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural violations.
- Plea Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or diversion programs.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Appeal: If convicted in GDC, appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a new trial within 10 days.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and 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 | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Fairfax County, we have 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate). A gun charge defense lawyer Fairfax from our team brings this experience to your case.
Bryan Block — Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper). Bar admissions: Virginia; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. Former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement service provides unique insight into police procedures and investigation standards.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience.
Matthew Greene — Of Counsel. 30+ years of experience, formerly death penalty certified, with 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria.
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location is near the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County? We serve clients throughout the area.
We serve 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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 | By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine.
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 are heard at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and a permanent criminal record.
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.
Learn more about our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer services. For nearby localities, see our Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer and Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related practice areas in Fairfax County, visit our DUI Lawyer in Fairfax County and Family Law Lawyer in Fairfax County pages.
Meet our team: Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
