Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fauquier County, cases begin at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton.
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). Information about Fauquier County court procedures is available on the Virginia Courts website for Fauquier County General District Court.
Fauquier County Court Process
The Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Fauquier County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows. For dismissals, you may petition for expungement in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while felonies can lead to years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, significant restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of each client’s situation in Fauquier County.
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 or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton and the Fauquier County courthouse. We serve communities including 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 Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.