Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties, including up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; 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 provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Fauquier County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Felonies like grand larceny (theft of $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95) carry prison terms of 1-20 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fauquier County court information, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. Misdemeanors are tried in Fauquier County General District Court. Felonies start with a preliminary hearing there before moving to Fauquier County Circuit Court for trial.
Steps in a Fauquier County Criminal Case
- Arraignment: You appear in Fauquier County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence or seek case dismissal.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer discusses potential plea agreements with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a jury trial in Circuit Court, or is resolved by plea.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You may appeal a conviction or, for qualifying outcomes, petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with jail time up to 12 months for a Class 1 misdemeanor and 1-10 years for a Class 5 felony.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bond is set by a magistrate after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman, is standard for felonies.
Our Experience in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fauquier County, we have 1 documented result with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built and challenged.
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, resulting in 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.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near 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.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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?
Yes. Criminal charges in Fauquier County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Fauquier County General District Court. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, 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.
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.