Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Falls Church General District Court at 300 Park Avenue handles all initial hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court information, see the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at Falls Church General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will review the police report. You have the right to a jury trial for any charge with potential jail time, which moves the case to Falls Church Circuit Court.
- Attend your arraignment hearing at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W.
- Receive discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Discuss defense strategy and potential motions with your attorney.
- Consider a plea agreement or prepare for trial.
- If convicted, explore sentencing alternatives or appeal options.
Penalties for Falls Church Criminal Charges
In Falls Church, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our tagline is “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 Falls Church
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue), accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Falls Church City Hall and the West Falls Church Metro.
We serve the Falls Church area and surrounding communities. 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 Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church 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 Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In Falls Church, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.