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.
In Arlington County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). Even misdemeanor convictions create permanent records affecting employment and housing.
Virginia Criminal Law in Arlington County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors (Va. Code § 18.2-11) or felonies (§ 18.2-10). Class 1 misdemeanors include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Class 5 felonies (1-10 years) include grand larceny of $1,000+ and certain drug distributions. Arlington County follows Virginia’s sentencing guidelines with judicial discretion.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute
- Arlington County General District Court website — court information and procedures
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes all cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow 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 at Arlington County General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court will set a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports Circuit Court transfer.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have the right to appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, 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) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program eligibility |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we have 21 documented criminal defense results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended.
Our Arlington criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how Commonwealth’s Attorneys build cases. This insight helps us identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate favorable outcomes.
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 Defense 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 our Arlington County criminal defense practice.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — attorney background
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.