Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fairfax County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Fairfax County prosecutes these cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office at the Fairfax County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, and at Fairfax County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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, refer to 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 at 4110 Chain Bridge Road. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: First appearance at Fairfax County General District Court to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews police reports and evidence. Motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials occur before a judge in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Fairfax County Criminal Penalties
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) as a Class 1 misdemeanor and grand larceny over $1,000 as a felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 1-year suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Fairfax County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation in Fairfax County courts with a case-specific approach.
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
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 not guilty, 143 charges reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes—a 97% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent clients 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.
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 Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For criminal defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer and Falls Church criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Fairfax County, consider our Fairfax County DUI/DWI lawyer or Fairfax County family law lawyer.
Learn more about 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.