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 mean years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty and 10 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation at Arlington County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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), and drug possession (Va. Code § 18.2-250). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County prosecutes these cases at the Arlington County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to Arlington County Circuit Court.
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 statute database
- Arlington County General District Court — Court website with forms and procedures
Arlington County Criminal Court Process
Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office reviews police reports and decides whether to prosecute. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants.
- Initial appearance before magistrate for bond determination
- Arraignment at Arlington County General District Court to hear formal charges
- Discovery review and pretrial motions filed with the court
- Negotiation with Commonwealth’s Attorney or preparation for trial
- Bench trial in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court if exercising right
- Sentencing or appeal within 10 days if convicted
Criminal Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months 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 | 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 |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results. Our Arlington criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how Commonwealth’s Attorneys build 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
Arlington County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented criminal defense results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 10 charges reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Arlington County criminal defense clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Arlington County
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 throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse.
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Arlington DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — Primary attorney
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.