Skip to content 
Falls Church Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
In Falls Church, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church, with 5 cases dismissed or found not guilty. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand the local court system at 300 Park Avenue.
Virginia Criminal Law in Falls Church
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level.
Last verified: March 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to 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 rules, forms, and contact information.
Falls Church Court Process
Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Falls Church prosecutes cases at the court on 300 Park Avenue.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will discuss potential plea agreements or diversion programs with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Falls Church Circuit Court for a new trial.
Falls Church Criminal Penalties
In Falls Church, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the offense classification under Virginia law.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, mandatory minimum fine for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by statute; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Falls Church Criminal Defense Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in Falls Church. Our approach is case-specific, built on a deep understanding of Virginia law and local court procedures.
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 were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts, and 1 charge was reduced or amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense 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 are a criminal defense lawyer near Falls Church City Hall and the West Falls Church Metro station.
We serve the Falls Church area and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are 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), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Falls Church, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Falls Church are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate) 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. Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) is the GDC location.
More Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you need related legal services in Falls Church, consider our Falls Church DUI lawyer or Falls Church family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.
