Simple Assault Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Simple assault in Fairfax County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. A simple assault defense lawyer Fairfax County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights. Contact us 24/7 for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Simple Assault Law
Simple assault in Virginia is defined as an unlawful attempt or offer, with force and violence, to do bodily hurt to another, whether from malice or wantonness. It is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-57. The statute covers acts that place another person in reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm, even without physical contact. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record, impacting employment, housing, and professional licenses.
- Receive a summons or warrant for simple assault.
- Attend your arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road).
- Your attorney will review evidence and police reports for weaknesses.
- Negotiate for dismissal, reduction to disorderly conduct, or a first-offender program.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
Penalties for Simple Assault in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, a simple assault conviction carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None (unless driving-related) | Permanent criminal record, possible protective order, employment difficulties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Simple Assault Charges
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a simple assault charge can stem from misunderstandings, heated arguments, or false accusations. Our strategy focuses on examining witness credibility, self-defense claims, lack of intent, and procedural errors in the arrest or charging process. We work to have charges dismissed or reduced to a non-violent offense to protect your future.
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 team has achieved 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 143 charges reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes. For instance, we have successfully argued for the dismissal of simple assault charges where the alleged victim was the primary aggressor, and secured reductions to lesser infractions like disorderly conduct to avoid a violent crime record. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, is the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, providing strategic oversight.
Contact Our Fairfax County Assault Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County General District Court. We are a simple assault defense lawyer near Fairfax, serving communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Fairfax County Simple Assault Defense FAQs
What is the penalty for simple assault in Fairfax County?
Up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Simple assault is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record that can affect jobs and housing.
Can a simple assault charge be dropped in Virginia?
It depends. The Commonwealth’s Attorney can drop charges (nolle prosequi), but this is not common without a strong defense. A misdemeanor assault defense lawyer Fairfax County can negotiate for dismissal, especially if evidence is weak, the victim recants, or self-defense is applicable.
Is simple assault a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Yes. Simple assault is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, assault against certain protected persons (like law enforcement) or with a weapon can elevate the charge to a felony.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor assault charge in Fairfax County?
Yes. Even a minor assault charge lawyer Fairfax County should handle your case because a conviction has serious consequences. An attorney can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and seek the best possible outcome to avoid jail time and a permanent record.
What is the difference between simple assault and battery?
In Virginia, assault is the act of creating reasonable fear of harmful or offensive contact. Battery is the actual unwanted touching. They are often charged together under the same statute (§ 18.2-57) with identical penalties.
For more information, see the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Explore our Virginia Criminal Defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Falls Church and Prince William County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Fairfax DUI lawyer or Fairfax family law attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.