Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation at Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity in Title 18.2 of the state code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 4. Felonies range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 6. Each classification carries specific maximum penalties defined by statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information and procedures: Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Procedures
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can result in dismissal upon successful completion.
- 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: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at Arlington County General District Court.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: Receive sentence from judge or exercise right to appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration based on classification under Virginia law.
| 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 | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft conviction record |
| Disorderly Conduct (Va. Code § 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service, anger management |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Substance abuse assessment, probation |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results in your case.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 charges reduced or amended to lesser offenses. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for similar results in your case.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
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?
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.
Related Legal Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer. For defense in nearby Alexandria: Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer. For other legal needs in Arlington County: Arlington DUI/DWI Lawyer or Arlington Family Law Lawyer. View attorney profile: Kristen Fisher Profile.
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 guidance.