Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law, codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defines offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute.
- Fauquier County General District Court website — Court information and procedures.
Fauquier County Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. The Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. For felonies, the case may proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance: You will appear before a magistrate who may set a bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at the General District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a plea agreement is reached with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal for a new jury trial in Circuit Court. Sentencing follows Virginia guidelines.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the offense 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years (or treated as Class 6: 1-5 years) | At court’s discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Fauquier County criminal defense is led by attorneys with firsthand insight into prosecution and police procedures.
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 charge reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. As a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton, we represent clients throughout Fauquier County, including 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
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.
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 — Statewide hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Defense in neighboring county.
- Fauquier County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in Fauquier County.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile — Former prosecutor on our team.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.