Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies with years of incarceration; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County with 100% favorable outcomes. Our Arlington location provides experienced defense representation at Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Criminal defense in Arlington County requires understanding both General District Court procedures for misdemeanors and Circuit Court processes for felony jury trials.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Arlington County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), drug possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250), and driving on suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes all criminal cases, with misdemeanors heard in Arlington County General District Court and felonies in Arlington County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) maintained by the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and forms are available through the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Criminal Court Procedures
Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office typically offers first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- 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 and plea entry: Formally hear charges and enter plea at Arlington County General District Court. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial preparation and negotiation: Prepare defense strategy while negotiating with Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or alternative dispositions.
- Trial or disposition hearing: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or request jury trial in Circuit Court for offenses carrying potential jail time.
- Sentencing or appeal filing: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. File appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days for trial de novo.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years of incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program eligible |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in Arlington County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Arlington County court procedures. Our Arlington location serves clients throughout the county with 21 documented local results showing 11 dismissals/not guilty verdicts and 10 charge reductions.
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 our Arlington County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts. We represent clients from Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations — 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 Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby Alexandria, see our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer page. For related practice areas in Arlington County, consider Arlington DUI/DWI defense or Arlington family law services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
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.