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In Arlington County, domestic assault carries up to 12 months in jail under Va. Code § 18.2-57.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. A Domestic Violence Lawyer Arlington County can help you build a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-57.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Domestic Violence Lawyer Arlington County — What Are Your Legal Options?
Virginia law defines domestic assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57.2 as an assault or battery against a family or household member. This includes spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepchildren, and persons who cohabitate or have cohabitated. A conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The court may also issue a protective order that restricts your contact and movements. Understanding the specific statute is the first step in building your defense.
For more information, see the Arlington County General District Court website.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the Arlington County General District Court for arraignment. The judge reads the charges and sets bond conditions.
- Protective Order Hearing: The court may issue a preliminary protective order. Your attorney can argue against a full protective order at this stage.
- Discovery: Your attorney requests police reports, witness statements, and any body camera footage from the Arlington County Police Department.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case if there are procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to trial in General District Court, or your attorney negotiates a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence. Your attorney can argue for a suspended sentence, probation, or a deferred disposition.
In Arlington County, domestic assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order; loss of firearm rights; mandatory counseling |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience, leads the firm’s domestic violence defense practice. He is supported by Samantha Powers, who brings 18+ years of family law experience and a Ph.D. in Communication. Together, they have secured 115 documented case results in Arlington County, including dismissals and deferred dispositions on domestic assault charges.
Our Arlington location is 0.5 miles from the Arlington County Courthouse, accessible via I-395 and Route 50. We serve clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
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.
Yes. Virginia law allows you to request a protective order hearing to present your side of the story.
Yes, you can contest a protective order in Arlington County. The court must hold a hearing within 15 days of the preliminary order. Your attorney can present evidence and cross-examine witnesses to argue against a full protective order.
No. A domestic assault conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor, not a felony, unless there are aggravating factors.
No, a first offense domestic assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57.2 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, a third offense within 20 years is a Class 6 felony. Your attorney can explain the specific charges you face.
It depends. If you are convicted, the court may issue a protective order that restricts your firearm rights under state and federal law.
It depends on the outcome of your case. A conviction for domestic assault can trigger a federal firearm prohibition under the Lautenberg Amendment. Your attorney can advise you on your specific situation.
No. Virginia does not require a separation period before filing for a protective order based on domestic violence.
No, you do not need to be separated to file for a protective order in Arlington County. The court can issue a protective order based on recent acts of family abuse, regardless of your marital status or living situation.
Yes. A protective order can include provisions for temporary custody of minor children.
Yes, an Arlington County protective order can address temporary custody and visitation. The court considers the best interests of the child when making these decisions. A separate custody hearing in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court may be required for long-term arrangements.