Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Falls Church, charges range from misdemeanors like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more). The Falls Church General District Court at 300 Park Avenue handles initial hearings and misdemeanor trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Falls Church Criminal Court Process
Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Falls Church prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate who sets bond. Many first-offense misdemeanors qualify for personal recognizance release.
- Arraignment: At Falls Church GDC, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A trial date is set if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials are heard by a judge in GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Falls Church Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Falls Church Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Falls Church
In Falls Church, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into both sides of criminal cases.
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 criminal defense results in Falls Church, Virginia: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Falls Church, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue), accessible via Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and I-66. We represent clients throughout the Falls Church area and surrounding communities.
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 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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?
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 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. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
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.
More Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.