Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia
Falls Church criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Falls Church General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony, like certain theft offenses, carries 1-10 years in prison. The Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – official Virginia statute.
- Falls Church General District Court website – court information and procedures.
Falls Church Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. For misdemeanors, your trial will be at Falls Church General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing happens there first, then the case moves to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment: You appear in Falls Church GDC, hear the charges, and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Hearing: For misdemeanors, a bench trial before a judge. For felonies, a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause.
- Disposition: Case ends via dismissal, plea, or trial verdict. For felonies bound over, the case proceeds to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court or petition for expungement if eligible under § 19.2-392.2.
Falls Church Criminal Penalties
In Falls Church, criminal penalties range from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months jail and Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years (or 12 months if treated as misdemeanor) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for certain suspensions |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. In Falls Church, we have documented case results showing our approach to criminal defense.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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
Falls Church Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented criminal defense results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Falls Church, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts on 300 Park Avenue, accessible via Route 7 and I-66. We represent individuals in Falls Church and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
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 Falls Church, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – state hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – nearby locality.
- Falls Church DUI Lawyer – related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – attorney information.
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.