
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, including 336 dismissals. An Insider Trading lawyer Fairfax County can help you understand your options.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Criminal law in Virginia is defined by Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This body of law covers offenses ranging from petty larceny to murder. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County prosecutes these cases. A securities insider trading defense lawyer Fairfax County may be necessary for financial crimes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled thousands of criminal cases across Virginia.
For the official Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures, visit the Fairfax County General District Court website.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond.
- Arraignment in Fairfax County General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court on appeal).
- Sentencing or appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court.
In Fairfax County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights |
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 achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience. An illegal stock trading lawyer Fairfax County can rely on our firm’s extensive experience.
Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). Bar admissions: Virginia. Mr. Block brings unique law enforcement perspective to criminal defense cases. He handles traffic, DUI, and criminal matters across Virginia.
Kristen M. Fisher — Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. Bar admissions: Maryland, Virginia. Ms. Fisher joined the firm in 2010 and handles criminal defense in both states.
Matthew Greene — 30+ years experience. Death penalty certified (formerly). 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria. Bar admissions: Virginia, DC. Mr. Greene handles sex crimes and criminal defense in the Fairfax area.
In Fairfax County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate). Examples include a 76/55 reckless driving charge reduced to 74/55 speeding, and a sexual battery charge dismissed via nolle prosequi.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is near the Fairfax County courts at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, accessible via I-66 and Route 50.
Criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax County — serving Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
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. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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 Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fairfax County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% 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 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. Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) is the GDC 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.