In Fairfax County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Fairfax County can help you understand your options.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Fairfax County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
Review the official Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) for complete statutory definitions. Court procedures are governed by the Fairfax County General District Court.
Insider Procedural Knowledge for Fairfax County Criminal Cases
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road processes cases quickly — typically 4-8 weeks from arraignment for misdemeanor trials.
Prosecutors in Fairfax County routinely offer first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for qualifying defendants.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before the magistrate at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center or receive a summons.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea at Fairfax County General District Court within 21 days of arrest.
- Discovery: Your attorney requests police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges before trial.
- Trial or Plea: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately or within 30 days. Appeals go to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to significant jail time depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Fairfax County Criminal Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. The firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law. The firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects its commitment to clients across multiple states and countries.
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
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also provides strategic oversight on complex criminal matters. His former prosecutor background and 120+ years of combined firm experience ensure every case receives thorough preparation.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a sexual battery charge (Va. Code § 18.2-67.4) resolved by nolle prosequi at Fairfax County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location is near Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway. We serve Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County? Our team is ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fairfax County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
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.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County 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 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.