In Arlington County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County, including 11 dismissals. A False Claims lawyer Arlington County from our firm provides strong defense against federal allegations. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) or Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). Sentencing follows Va. Code § 19.2-295.1. A False Claims lawyer Arlington County handles federal allegations under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733. Expungement is available for acquittals and dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Review the official statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and Arlington County General District Court website.
- Arrest and initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment in Arlington County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase: 2-4 weeks for evidence exchange.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days if needed.
In Arlington County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to incarceration. Below are common classifications and consequences.
| 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper. A False Claims lawyer Arlington County from our firm brings federal defense experience to your case.
Our team also includes Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of criminal defense experience. A federal false claims defense lawyer Arlington County from our firm handles complex federal cases.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a domestic assault charge dismissed (nolle prosequi) in Arlington County J&DR Court and an assault charge dismissed in Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Criminal defense lawyer near Arlington — 24/7 phone consultations: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250. Meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. 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.
What does a False Claims lawyer Arlington County do?
A False Claims lawyer handles allegations under the federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733), including healthcare fraud, government contract fraud, and whistleblower claims. A qui tam defense lawyer Arlington County represents individuals and companies facing these allegations.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.