Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation at Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Arlington County
Virginia criminal offenses are defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400) for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials at Arlington County Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases with direct local court experience.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly statute
- Arlington County General District Court website — Virginia court system .gov domain
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes. First offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal. Defendants have an absolute right to jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. Expungement available for acquittals, nolle prosequi, and dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Arlington County General District Court to hear charges and enter plea.
- Discovery review and pre-trial motion filing to challenge evidence.
- Bench trial for misdemeanors in GDC or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- For felony charges, transfer to Arlington County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing under Virginia guidelines or appeal within 10 days of conviction.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, theft record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “Global advocacy. Local precision.” In Arlington County, we have 21 documented criminal defense results with 100% favorable outcome rate.
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
Arlington County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 charges reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Arlington County criminal defense practice.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County courts and Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington neighborhoods.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
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?
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 (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?
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. 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality
- Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — former prosecutor
- Arlington Law Office Location — location page
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.