Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors mean up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies bring 1-10 years prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Fauquier County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft over $1,000). The classification determines potential penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 6 months, $1,000), Class 5 felony (1-10 years), and Class 6 felony (1-5 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings 120+ years combined experience to criminal defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, review 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 for hours, forms, and procedures.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible charges.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance is common. For felonies, secured bond typically requires a bail bondsman.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights. Request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Review evidence and explore defenses: Examine police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Consider constitutional challenges, procedural errors, or factual defenses.
- Negotiate with prosecutors or prepare for trial: Discuss reduction or dismissal options. If no agreement is reached, prepare for bench trial in GDC or demand jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Trial or disposition hearing: Present your case at Fauquier County General District Court for misdemeanors. For felonies, the preliminary hearing occurs in GDC, then trial moves to Circuit Court.
- Post-trial motions and appeals: File motions to set aside verdict or for new trial if necessary. Appeals from GDC go to Fauquier County Circuit Court within 10 days.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | 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 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | Possible first offender dismissal |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, we bring substantial resources to criminal defense. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal 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 reduced/amended charge resulting in 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ case results with 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at 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. 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 Resources
For more information on Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Fairfax County criminal defense and Prince William County criminal defense. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.