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 understand local court procedures at Fauquier County General District Court.
In Fauquier County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the General District Court on 6 Court Street in Warrenton.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft over $1,000 under § 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines are established in § 19.2-295.1, while expungement procedures for dismissals and acquittals are governed by § 19.2-392.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies deep knowledge of these statutes to build defense 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 (law.lis.virginia.gov). For Fauquier County court information, including hours and procedures, refer to the Fauquier County General District Court website (vacourts.gov).
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Criminal cases in Fauquier County follow specific local procedures. The Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. Felony jury trials and appeals from GDC decisions proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- 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: Formal reading of charges at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. You enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney provides discovery.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
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, while felonies can result in 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing fees: Court-appointed attorney fee ranges from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies if you qualify based on income. Bond amounts are set by the magistrate, with personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors and secured bonds (typically requiring a bail bondsman charging approximately 10%) for felonies.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision” reflects our approach to criminal defense 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/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton), accessible via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County and the historic Warrenton town center, we represent clients throughout 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 | (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 about criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Prince William County criminal defense lawyer services. In Fauquier County, we also assist with DUI/DWI defense and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.