Facing criminal charges in Fauquier County? A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Fauquier County
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors (e.g., assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57) carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Fauquier County General District Court, located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Fauquier County General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: Fauquier County General District Court
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court on appeal).
- Sentencing or appeal to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fauquier County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge that benefits our criminal defense 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
Case Results in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fauquier County Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street), accessible via I-66 (eastern county), Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton? We serve Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fauquier County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fauquier County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fauquier County 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). Cases are heard at Fauquier County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Fauquier County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Fauquier County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fauquier County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fauquier County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fauquier County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fauquier County General District Court. 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 Fauquier County?
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fauquier County 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.