Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law, defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, classifies offenses as felonies or misdemeanors based on severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level. The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Fairfax County General District Court located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030.
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, whose background provides a distinct advantage in building defense strategies.
Official Legal Resources
Fairfax County Criminal Court Process
The Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
- Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Fairfax County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial and Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a General District Court decision to the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-5 years (Class 6) or 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, mandatory fine |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. A secured bond, typical for felonies, requires a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony.
Our Experience in Fairfax County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County, we have a documented history of successful outcomes at the General District and Circuit Courts.
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
Case Results in Fairfax County
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, and 5 other favorable outcomes, representing a 97% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities.
We serve the Fairfax County area and surrounding communities including 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 carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at the 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 a deferred disposition program.
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. A secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the Fairfax County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Fairfax County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers and landlords.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fairfax County?
The Fairfax County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from the GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page.
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving the independent city.
- Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality.
- Fairfax County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in Fairfax.
- Fairfax County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile — Learn about our former prosecutor.
- Fairfax Office Location — Contact and directions.
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.