Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. 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 the Fauquier County General District Court.
If you face criminal charges in Fauquier County, contact our firm for a case review. We provide full representation focused on protecting your rights and future.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia’s criminal statutes are codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Fauquier County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. Court information, including forms and procedures for Fauquier County, is available on the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings occur at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Felony jury trials and appeals from the GDC are handled by the Fauquier County Circuit Court. Virginia law provides an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond is typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. Enter a not guilty plea to preserve rights and request discovery.
- Review discovery and file motions: Analyze police reports and evidence. File suppression motions if constitutional violations exist.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor: Discuss charge reductions, first offender programs, or dismissal based on evidence weaknesses.
- Prepare for trial: If no agreement, prepare for bench trial in GDC or demand a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Post-trial options: After trial, explore appeals or expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals or dismissals.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for certain suspensions |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 (Class 6) | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, providing insight into prosecution strategies. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, offering an advantage in complex financial cases.
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. We approach each case with a case-specific strategy aimed at protecting your record and future.
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 (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County, we represent clients throughout Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
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.