Arlington County criminal charges carry up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code Title 18.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County — 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. A Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Arlington County clients trust can challenge evidence and negotiate reductions.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for criminal charges. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years.
For the official Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Arlington County court information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely file charges quickly after arrest. Your first court date typically occurs within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors. Acting fast preserves your options.
- Step 1: Contact a Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Arlington County immediately after arrest. Do not speak to police without counsel.
- Step 2: Your attorney reviews the charges and evidence. A PWID defense lawyer Arlington County will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Step 3: Your attorney files pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. An intent to distribute charge lawyer Arlington County can challenge unlawful searches.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a plea agreement or diversion program.
- Step 5: If no agreement, proceed to trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Step 6: Appeal any conviction to Circuit Court within 10 days for a new trial.
In Arlington County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. A Possession with Intent to Distribute lawyer Arlington County can explain your specific exposure.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Criminal record |
| Class 5 Felony | Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Class 6 Felony | Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | License revocation | Felony record, voting rights loss |
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 has handled 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher — Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. Bar admissions: Maryland, Virginia. She joined the firm in 2010 and handles criminal defense cases. Matthew Greene — 30+ years experience, death penalty certified (formerly), 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria. He handles criminal defense in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax areas.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Criminal defense lawyer near Arlington, near the Courthouse metro station.
We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and $1,000.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and carry serious penalties.
Criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% 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 Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — hub page for all Virginia criminal defense.
Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
Arlington DUI Lawyer — related practice area in same locality.
Arlington Family Law Lawyer — related practice area in same locality.
Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher.
Location: Arlington VA Law Location.
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.