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 Statutes
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity in Title 18.2 of the state code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 4. Felonies range from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 6. Each classification carries specific maximum penalties defined by statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). Court information, forms, and procedures for Arlington County are available through the Virginia Court System website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Felony jury trials and appeals proceed to Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Arlington County General District Court: Formally hear charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. This occurs at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review prosecution evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors or negotiate a plea agreement for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. For felony charges, you can appeal to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and felonies 1-10 years incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, employment issues |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who understand both sides of criminal cases.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’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
Case Results in Arlington County
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 to lesser offenses. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent residents throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 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
For broader Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Alexandria criminal defense. In Arlington County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.