Arlington County Obstruction Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
Obstruction of justice in Arlington County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-460, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients at Arlington County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Obstruction of justice, defined under Virginia law, involves actions that impede or hinder law enforcement or the administration of justice. In Arlington County, these charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Arlington County General District Court. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-460, covers a range of conduct from giving false information to a police officer to physically resisting arrest. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing.
Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the local court procedures and the strategies used by Arlington prosecutors.
- Receive your summons or warrant with a court date for Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with an obstruction defense lawyer Arlington County to review the charges and police report.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the charge.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal, or prepare for trial.
- If convicted at the GDC, you have the right to appeal for a new trial in Arlington County Circuit Court.
In Arlington County, obstruction of justice is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 under Va. Code § 18.2-460.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Misdemeanor) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential impact on professional licenses, immigration consequences. |
| Obstruction of Justice (Felony – involving force) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of civil rights, severe immigration consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into both sides of a criminal case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients in Northern Virginia. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, has a background that provides a strategic advantage in complex cases.
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
In Arlington County, our attorneys have achieved favorable results in criminal cases. For example, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) for charges including destruction of property and fare evasion in Arlington County GDC. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for an obstruction of justice defense lawyer Arlington County or a resisting arrest defense lawyer Arlington County.
Arlington County Obstruction Defense FAQs
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Yes. Obstruction of justice under Va. Code § 18.2-460 includes knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer in the performance of their duties by threat, force, or giving false information. It can be a misdemeanor or felony.
Can I go to jail for obstruction of justice in Arlington County?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor obstruction charge in Arlington County carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felony obstruction involving force carries 1-10 years in prison.
What’s the difference between obstruction of justice and resisting arrest?
It depends. Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction that involves preventing an officer from making a lawful arrest. Both are charged under Va. Code § 18.2-460, but resisting arrest requires proof that an arrest was being attempted. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Arlington County can analyze the legality of the underlying arrest.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. An obstruction charge is a serious criminal offense with jail time and a permanent record. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Arlington County can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights in Arlington County General District Court.
Can obstruction charges be dropped?
Yes. Charges can be dropped (nolle prosequi) if the evidence is weak, your rights were violated, or through a successful pre-trial motion. An attorney can also negotiate for a reduction to a lesser offense. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
For more information on Virginia criminal law, visit the Virginia Courts website. If you are facing related charges, you may also need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County. For charges in a neighboring area, see our page for an Alexandria criminal defense lawyer. Learn more about our firm’s approach on our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.