In Arlington County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County General District Court, with 11 dismissals and 10 reductions. An Internet Sex Crime Lawyer Arlington County can help protect your future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Arlington County
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 1 (life in prison) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information on criminal procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website. Review the full criminal code at Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses).
Insider Knowledge: Arlington County Court Procedures
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Successful completion results in dismissal. An online sex offense defense lawyer Arlington County understands these local options.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the judge within 72 hours. The court advises you of charges and your rights.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. The court sets a trial date or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural violations.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In Arlington County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal 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 has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
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
Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed or not guilty, 10 reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a destruction of property charge dismissed via nolle prosequi and a littering charge dismissed entirely.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our Arlington Location
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
If you need an internet solicitation defense lawyer Arlington County, contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% 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 Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
Learn more about our Virginia criminal defense lawyer services. For cases in nearby areas, see our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer page. For related legal needs, visit our Arlington DUI lawyer or Arlington family law lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.