Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
A criminal charge in Fairfax County requires immediate action to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fairfax County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases, and procedures follow both state law and local court rules. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense grounded in this legal framework.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia law portal. For Fairfax County court information, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process
The Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials occur in Fairfax County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases, and first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond (via bail bondsman, ~10% fee) is typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County General District Court: Appear at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210. Enter a plea. The court may appoint an attorney if you are eligible (fee: $120 for misdemeanors, $445+ for felonies).
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. The prosecution must provide all evidence. Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials in GDC typically occur within 4-8 weeks. Felony preliminary hearings in GDC are within 21-60 days. Jury trials for felonies move to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi, file an expungement petition in Fairfax County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while felonies can lead to years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Permanent criminal record; protective orders possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; affects employment background checks |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 (Class 5 jury discretion) | None | Felony record; significant restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension; possible forfeiture of vehicle | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, prior record, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of each client’s situation in Fairfax County.
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
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, serving 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
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
For broader Virginia criminal defense information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas: Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense lawyer. In Fairfax County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense, family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.