Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor category, carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine (Va. Code § 18.2-11). Felonies are classified from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 1 (life imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all criminal cases within the county.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official resources: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes aggressively. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Fairfax County GDC to formally hear charges and enter plea.
- Discovery review and motion filing, including suppression motions if constitutional violations exist.
- Negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or preparation for bench trial.
- Sentencing or, for felonies, preliminary hearing followed by jury trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
In Fairfax County, criminal offenses carry penalties from 6 months jail for Class 2 misdemeanors to life imprisonment for Class 1 felonies, with fines from $1,000 to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6/5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| First-offense Marijuana Possession | Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Possible first offender dismissal |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for DUI-related suspension |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Fairfax County criminal defense team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement insight.
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
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 — a 97% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). As a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent clients from 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
(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.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Fairfax City criminal defense lawyer, Falls Church criminal defense lawyer, and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. Related services in Fairfax County: DUI/DWI lawyer and reckless driving lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.