Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Falls Church criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties, including up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. 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 Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at Falls Church General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, is the most serious misdemeanor level. Theft of property valued under $1,000 is petit larceny (§ 18.2-96), a Class 1 misdemeanor. Theft over $1,000 is grand larceny, a felony.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. The Falls Church General District Court website provides local forms, rules, and contact information.
Falls Church Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an arraignment at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue). You will enter a plea, and the judge will address bond. The court then sets a trial date. For misdemeanors, your trial will be held in General District Court before a judge.
- Arraignment: Appear in court, enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The judge sets bond conditions.
- Pretrial Conference: Your attorney meets with the prosecutor to discuss evidence and potential resolutions.
- Motion Hearing: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Trial: Present your defense before a judge in General District Court. For felonies, this is a preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court for a new trial.
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 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Disorderly Conduct | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Community service possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We focus on the details of Falls Church court procedures to build strong defenses for our clients.
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 Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented criminal defense results in Falls Church: 5 cases were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge was reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these clients.
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 on 300 Park Avenue, accessible via Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and I-66. We represent individuals 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.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96).
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. An attorney protects your rights and can seek dismissal or reduction.
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you are facing related charges, see our pages on Falls Church DUI defense and Falls Church family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.