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, while felonies can bring 1-10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides experienced criminal defense representation by former prosecutors who understand local court procedures.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, covering offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. The Commonwealth classifies misdemeanors as Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), Class 2 (up to 6 months, $1,000), Class 3 (up to $500 fine), and Class 4 (up to $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 1 (life imprisonment) to Class 6 (1-5 years, or up to 12 months at jury discretion).
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Arlington County court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Felony jury trials proceed to Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
- Initial Appearance: Arraignment at Arlington County General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery Review: Obtain police reports and evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Motion Filing: Challenge evidence through suppression motions if constitutional violations occurred.
- Plea Negotiations: Discuss reduction or dismissal options with the Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare for bench trial in GDC or demand jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing/Appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence; appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, and Class 6 felonies 1-5 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion).
| 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 with victim |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent theft record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
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, bringing over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Arlington County, we’ve documented 21 criminal defense results: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 10 charges reduced or amended.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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
Arlington County Case 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 to lesser offenses. These outcomes represent a 100% favorable resolution rate for our Arlington County clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719 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 Virginia-wide criminal defense information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in neighboring Alexandria, our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer can help. In Arlington County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.