Criminal Defense Lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in Falls Church General District Court; felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church Criminal Court Process
Your case at 300 Park Avenue follows specific local steps. Prosecutors in Falls Church routinely evaluate cases for first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Arraignment: You appear in Falls Church GDC to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Motion Hearing: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if applicable.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or accept a negotiated resolution.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you may appeal to Falls Church Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Falls Church
In Falls Church, criminal penalties range from fines to years in prison, depending on the offense classification under Virginia law.
| 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 under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely if prior |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts and court discretion.
Our Experience in Falls Church Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. In Falls Church, we have achieved 6 documented results with a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper who understands police procedures from the inside.
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 Falls Church
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented criminal defense results in Falls Church: 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Falls Church clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Falls Church
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Falls Church General District Court at 300 Park Avenue, accessible via Route 7 and I-66. We serve 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: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are 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?
Bond amount is set by a magistrate 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.
More Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in Fairfax County and Prince William County. For related legal needs in Falls Church, consider our DUI defense lawyer or family law attorney. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.