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 in Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes all criminal cases in the jurisdiction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Arlington County court information: Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal for eligible defendants.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Arlington County Detention Facility. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Your first court date at Arlington County General District Court where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For dismissals or acquittals, file an expungement petition in Arlington County Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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, permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, difficulty finding employment |
| Drug Possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
| DUI First Offense (Va. Code § 18.2-266) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 12-month suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP program |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Criminal Defense Experience in Arlington County
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Arlington County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds 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
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
Arlington County Criminal Case Results
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 results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page | Alexandria criminal defense lawyer | Arlington County DUI lawyer | Attorney 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.