Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia criminal law defines offenses and penalties in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In Fauquier County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand understanding of how cases are built and challenged.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. The Fauquier County General District Court website provides local court procedures, forms, and contact information.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Fauquier County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from General District Court decisions.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Fauquier County General District Court to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial and Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felonies move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal a General District Court decision to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 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, restitution |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Bond amounts are set by the magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman charging approximately 10% of the bond amount.
Fauquier County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings combined legal experience exceeding 120 years since our founding in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how criminal cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted in Fauquier County.
Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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
Fauquier County Criminal Defense Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. This includes cases reduced or amended to lesser charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We represent clients throughout Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains.
24/7 phone consultations available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 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. 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. If you need representation in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer or Prince William County criminal defense lawyer services. For related practice areas in Fauquier County, see Fauquier County DUI/DWI lawyer or Fauquier County family law lawyer.
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.