In Fairfax County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County with a 97% favorable outcome rate. Former prosecutors on staff. Consultation by appointment.
Criminal Law in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia criminal law is codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fairfax County, the Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials and appeals from General District Court are heard in Fairfax County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes all criminal cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, where successful completion results in dismissal. Expungement is available for acquittals, nolle prosequi, and dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Official Legal References
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Fairfax County General District Court — official Virginia Courts website
Insider Procedural Edge for Fairfax County Criminal Cases
Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes cases aggressively. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Step 1: Arrest or summons issued — bond set by magistrate at Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
- Step 2: Initial appearance at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210).
- Step 3: Arraignment — enter plea; court sets pretrial schedule.
- Step 4: Discovery and motion practice — your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Step 5: Trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony).
- Step 6: Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days if convicted in General District Court.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense under Virginia law.
| 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 extension | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Criminal Defense in Fairfax County
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape Virginia law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Additionally, Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, with 30+ years of experience, contribute to the firm’s criminal defense practice in Fairfax County.
Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, and 5 other favorable — a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County General District Court at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50. We serve clients throughout Fairfax County, including 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 Fairfax office is centrally located to serve all of Northern Virginia.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
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 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 Fairfax County General District Court.
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. 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.
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.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.