Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide full representation at Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors (Class 1 and 2) are less serious than felonies (Class 5 and 6). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes all cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) from the Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. Fauquier County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Enter your plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for jail-eligible offenses.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows guidelines. For acquittals, file an expungement petition in Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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 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 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Bond amount is set by magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Public defender eligibility is based on income. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 Criminal Defense Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street). We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton and near the historic Warrenton town center.
We serve 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 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 handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.