In Arlington County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County including 11 dismissals. Contact a Fraud Lawyer Arlington County today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and $1,000. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense.
For the official Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Arlington County General District Court procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- First court date at Arlington County GDC for arraignment and plea entry.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews evidence and files motions.
- Pre-trial conference with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge in GDC.
- Appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court if necessary within 10 days.
In Arlington County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is the single most powerful E-E-A-T differentiator in Virginia family law. For criminal defense in Arlington County, our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who bring insider knowledge to your case.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include: Destruction of Property with Intent under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-137) — Nolle Prosequi in Arlington County GDC; Littering (Va. Code § 33.1-346) — Dismissed; Fare Evasion (Va. Code § 14.2-81) — Nolle Prosequi.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington Location is near the Arlington County courts at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, accessible via major highways. We serve clients throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you are searching for a “criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County” or a “Fraud Lawyer Arlington County,” we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
24/7 phone consultations. By appointment only.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
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 approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Arlington County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Arlington County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.