Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide defense at Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in Fauquier County General District Court, while felonies proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court for jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia criminal statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Discovery review and motion filing period (typically 2-4 weeks).
- Bench trial in GDC or preliminary hearing for felony charges.
- Jury trial in Fauquier County Circuit Court for felony cases.
- Sentencing or case resolution through plea or dismissal.
Criminal Penalties in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines under Va. Code § 18.2-11.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| 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) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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 charge reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
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 represent clients in 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 Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Fairfax County criminal defense and Prince William County criminal defense.
In Fauquier County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.