Obstruction Defense Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Obstruction of justice in Arlington County is a serious offense under Va. Code § 18.2-460, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Arlington County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Obstruction of Justice Law
Obstruction of justice, defined in Va. Code § 18.2-460, involves knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer, judge, magistrate, or other official in the performance of their duties. This can include providing false information, fleeing, or physically interfering. In Arlington County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Arlington County General District Court. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings a deep understanding of how these charges are built from both sides.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-460 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information is available at the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Obstruction Charges
In Arlington County, an obstruction charge typically begins with an arrest or summons. The case proceeds in Arlington County General District Court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. Prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly to obstruct. A common local procedural fact is that the court sees many cases where the alleged obstruction stems from a misunderstanding during a tense encounter. An experienced resisting arrest defense lawyer Arlington County can often find weaknesses in the officer’s narrative of events.
- Receive your summons or warrant with a court date for arraignment.
- Consult with an obstruction defense lawyer Arlington County before your first hearing.
- Attend your arraignment at Arlington County GDC to hear the formal charge and enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or, if jail time is a risk, demand a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- If convicted, explore post-trial options like appeal or seeking an expungement if eligible.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in Arlington County
In Arlington County, obstruction of justice is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the obstruction involves a threat of bodily harm, it can become a Class 5 felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing Justice (Misdemeanor) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Obstructing with Threat of Bodily Harm | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Felony record, loss of certain civil rights |
| Resisting Arrest (as a form of obstruction) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Often charged alongside other offenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Obstruction Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is grounded in a thorough analysis of police reports and witness statements to defend against obstruction and resisting arrest charges.
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
Case Results in Arlington County
Our firm has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended, reflecting a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. Specific results include a nolle prosequi for a destruction of property charge and a dismissal for a littering charge in Arlington County General District Court. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Arlington County Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location is minutes from the Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major highways. We serve Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are a local obstruction of justice defense lawyer Arlington County ready to assist.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is obstruction of justice in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-460, obstruction of justice involves knowingly obstructing a law enforcement officer, judge, or other official. This can be through force, threat, or providing false information. It is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can I go to jail for obstruction in Arlington County?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor obstruction charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The actual outcome depends on the facts, your record, and the strength of your defense.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest is a specific type of obstruction covered under the same statute (Va. Code § 18.2-460). It involves preventing an officer from effecting a lawful arrest. Both are serious charges, and a skilled resisting arrest defense lawyer Arlington County can analyze whether the arrest itself was lawful.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of obstruction?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used to establish the “knowingly” element of the charge. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with an obstruction defense lawyer Arlington County immediately.
Can an obstruction charge be expunged in Virginia?
It depends. Expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 is generally available if the charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or a nolle prosequi was entered. Most convictions cannot be expunged. An attorney can review your specific disposition.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense hub, or learn about defense in Alexandria. For related charges, see our pages on DUI defense in Arlington and family law in Arlington.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.