Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law defines offenses in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A crime is an act or omission prohibited by law and punishable by the state. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases at Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, and at Fairfax County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s background in law enforcement and prosecution provides direct insight into how criminal cases are built and challenged.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fairfax County court information, procedures, and forms, access the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: After arrest, you appear before a magistrate who sets bond conditions. Many first-offense misdemeanors qualify for personal recognizance release.
- Arraignment: At Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road), you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to misdemeanor charges.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): For felony charges, a hearing determines if probable cause exists to bind the case over to Circuit Court.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress evidence, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court before a judge. Felony jury trials occur in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing and Appeals: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal General District Court decisions to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years; assault and battery under § 18.2-57 is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense marijuana) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Possible first offender dismissal |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for certain suspensions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Fairfax County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense in Fairfax County. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of criminal cases. With 501 documented results in Fairfax County alone, the firm has established a record of successful outcomes through careful case analysis and strategic defense.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Case Results
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 to lesser offenses, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a 97% favorable outcome rate for clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County Courts
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent individuals throughout 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.
Fairfax Location — 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.
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
Related Legal Services in Fairfax County
For Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For criminal defense in nearby jurisdictions, see our pages for Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer and Falls Church criminal defense lawyer. For related practice areas in Fairfax County, consider Fairfax County DUI/DWI lawyer or Fairfax County family law lawyer.
Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.