
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges are prosecuted under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County. Our former prosecutors provide direct defense at Fauquier County General District Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. In Fauquier County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the local courthouse.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s background provides insight into local prosecution strategies.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For Fauquier County court information, see the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- 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: You appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Motions to suppress evidence may be filed.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. You can request a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry specific penalties under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 | 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond with a bail bondsman is typical for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. Represents clients in Maryland and Virginia state 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
Case Results in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended charge, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Warrenton and throughout Fauquier County.
We serve the communities of 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
(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 Services
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 this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
