Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide defense at Fauquier County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious but still carry jail time. Felonies involve more severe penalties and longer prison sentences.
In Fauquier County, criminal cases begin at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. More serious felony cases proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court for jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law 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. For Fauquier County court information, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
The Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes criminal cases. The court process follows specific steps that vary based on the charge severity.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, secured bond is typical.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Review discovery and file pre-trial motions: Analyze police reports, witness statements, and evidence. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor or prepare for trial: Discuss reduction or dismissal options. If no agreement is reached, prepare for a bench trial in GDC or demand a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties based on their 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 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 | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. The penalties shown are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We focus on criminal defense representation in Fauquier County and throughout Virginia.
Our approach combines legal knowledge with practical courtroom experience. We understand how Fauquier County prosecutors build cases and what strategies work in local courts.
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
Fauquier County Case Results
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.
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 Fauquier County courts. We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense representation throughout the Fauquier County area.
We serve Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Contact us for a consultation about your Fauquier County criminal case.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you need defense in nearby areas, consider our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Prince William County criminal defense lawyer pages.
For other legal needs in Fauquier County, see our Fauquier County DUI/DWI lawyer or Fauquier County family law lawyer pages.
Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.