Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County criminal charges carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors under Va. Code Title 18.2 face up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines. 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 Definition
Virginia criminal law covers offenses from misdemeanors to felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Class 1 misdemeanors include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Class 5 felonies (1-10 years) include grand larceny of $1,000+. Arlington County prosecutes these cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
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 specific knowledge of Arlington County court procedures.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). Arlington County court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the Virginia Courts website (vacourts.gov).
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Felony jury trials proceed to Arlington County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes cases with specific local procedures.
- 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: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court will schedule trial dates and address discovery requests.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Review all prosecution evidence and police reports.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement with Commonwealth’s Attorney. Felony cases move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, present mitigation evidence at sentencing. Appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court within 10 days.
Arlington County Criminal Penalties
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years; expungement available for acquittals/dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony conviction record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Experience in Arlington County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings combined attorney experience of 120+ years to Arlington County criminal cases. Founded in 1997, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand Commonwealth’s Attorney strategies.
In Arlington County, we have documented 21 criminal case results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. This local success reflects our knowledge of Arlington County General District Court judges, prosecutors, and procedures.
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. These results reflect our approach to Arlington County cases, though each case depends on its specific facts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We represent clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
Criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County—24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings by appointment only at our Arlington location.
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.
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Arlington County DUI/DWI Lawyer – DUI defense services in Arlington County.
Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney’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.