Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Loudoun County, Virginia
An obstruction of justice charge in Loudoun County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-460, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 42 documented results in Loudoun County General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Law
Obstruction of justice in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-460. The statute makes it unlawful to knowingly obstruct a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other person in the performance of their duties. This includes actions like providing false information, physically interfering, or fleeing to avoid arrest. The charge is often paired with resisting arrest, which is addressed under the same statute. Prosecutors at the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office must prove you acted knowingly and that your actions actually hindered an official proceeding or investigation.
- Receive a summons or warrant for obstruction of justice in Loudoun County.
- Appear for arraignment at Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg).
- Your obstruction defense lawyer Loudoun County will review evidence, including police body cam footage.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss if the officer’s actions were unlawful.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal, often to a non-obstruction offense.
- Proceed to trial before a judge if no acceptable plea agreement is reached.
Penalties for Obstruction in Loudoun County
In Loudoun County, obstruction of justice as a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice (Va. Code § 18.2-460) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent criminal record; impacts employment, professional licenses, immigration status. |
| Obstruction + Resisting Arrest | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months (consecutive possible) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Enhanced penalties; viewed as disrespect for law enforcement. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Loudoun County Obstruction Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Loudoun County, we have a documented 42 results for criminal matters, including obstruction and resisting arrest defense. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how these cases are built from the other side.
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
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal defense strategy is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and accepts a limited number of complex cases requiring advanced strategy.
Loudoun County Obstruction Case Results
Our obstruction defense lawyer Loudoun County team has secured favorable outcomes for clients facing charges at the Loudoun County General District Court. Documented results include cases where charges were dropped (nolle prosequi) before trial. For example, we have secured dismissals for charges like “Fail to Dim Headlights” and “Operating with Radar Detector/Jam Device.”
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Each case is unique, but our focused approach on the intent and evidence in obstruction matters is consistent.
Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near Loudoun County
Our Ashburn location serves clients at the Loudoun County courts (18 East Market Street). We represent individuals from Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Obstruction of Justice Defense FAQs in Loudoun County
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-460, obstruction of justice involves knowingly hindering a law enforcement officer, judge, or magistrate. This can be through physical interference, providing false information, or fleeing. In Loudoun County, it is prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can I be charged with obstruction for arguing with police?
It depends. Mere verbal argument is generally not enough. The prosecution must prove you knowingly obstructed the officer’s duties. An experienced obstruction of justice defense lawyer Loudoun County can argue that your conduct was protected speech and did not constitute a physical or meaningful hindrance.
What is the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction covered under the same Virginia statute (§ 18.2-460). It involves using force or violence to prevent an arrest. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Loudoun County will focus on whether the arrest was lawful and whether the force used by the defendant was reasonable under the circumstances.
What are the penalties for obstruction in Loudoun County?
A Class 1 misdemeanor conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The long-term consequence is a permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Can an obstruction charge be dropped in Loudoun County?
Yes. Charges can be dropped (nolle prosequi) by the prosecutor or dismissed by the judge. Common defenses include lack of intent, unlawful police conduct, or insufficient evidence that you actually hindered an investigation. An obstruction defense lawyer Loudoun County can negotiate for a dismissal, often in exchange for completing an anger management or community service program.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Loudoun County General District Court website.
If you are facing related charges, you may need a DUI lawyer in Loudoun County or a family law attorney in Loudoun County. For all Virginia criminal defense matters, see our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.