Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In Falls Church, Virginia, criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Falls Church General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the Falls Church General District Court located at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Falls Church Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins with an arraignment at Falls Church General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, are advised of charges, and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a negotiated resolution.
- Appeal or Expungement: If convicted, you can appeal to Circuit Court. If charges are dismissed, you may petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Falls Church Criminal Penalties
In Falls Church, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper (Bryan Block) and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney (Kristen Fisher), providing unique insight into prosecution strategies.
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
Falls Church Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Falls Church, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Falls Church courts (300 Park Avenue), accessible via Route 7, Route 29, I-66, and I-495. We represent clients throughout the Falls Church area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. 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 Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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.
Related Legal Services
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.