Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges are serious matters prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Fauquier County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. In Fauquier County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases at the Fauquier County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, while felony trials proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly statutes
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court information and procedures for Fauquier County are available at the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Procedures
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The court operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Formal reading of charges at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. You enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiates with prosecutors.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal GDC decisions to Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment, with assault and battery under § 18.2-57 classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) 1-5 years (Class 6) |
Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Fauquier County court procedures. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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 Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County: 1 case reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Our attorneys work to achieve the best possible results given the specific circumstances of each case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We represent clients throughout Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
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 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: 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 Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186). 1 documented results: 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fauquier County, 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 Fauquier County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 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 Fauquier County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Fauquier County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 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 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. Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fauquier County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.