Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this detailed knowledge of the law to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For Fauquier County court procedures, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
The Fauquier County Court Process
Your case begins at the Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felonies. For felony charges, a case may proceed to the Fauquier County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Arraignment: You will appear in Fauquier County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to challenge evidence or seek dismissal of charges based on legal defects.
- Negotiation & Review: Your lawyer will review all evidence with the prosecutor to seek a favorable resolution, such as a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or, for felonies, a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: After a finding, the judge will impose sentence. You have the right to appeal a General District Court decision to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Fauquier County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1 to 20 years* | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your prior record, and the effectiveness of your legal representation.
Why Choose Our Fauquier County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to your defense. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide. For Fauquier County, we have 1 documented criminal defense result with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who provides unique insight into police investigations and 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
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.
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).
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.
Case Results in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. This includes cases that were reduced or amended to lesser charges. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, our attorneys have achieved 4,739+ favorable results.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near 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: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fauquier County, we also handle DUI defense and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.