Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges are prosecuted under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code Title 18.2; 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.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia criminal law defines offenses and penalties in the Virginia Code. In Fauquier County, criminal cases are heard at the Fauquier County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felonies proceeding to Fauquier County Circuit Court for jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the 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 Criminal Court Process
The Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fauquier County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes cases.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Enter plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Request court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss. Negotiate with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or request jury trial in Circuit Court. Consider plea offers.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. Appeal to Fauquier County Circuit Court within 10 days.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor up to 6 months and $1,000 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; Class 6 felony 1-5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery | Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We focus on criminal defense representation in Fauquier County and throughout Virginia.
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
Fauquier County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186), 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 — (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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For criminal defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. For related legal services in Fauquier County, consider DUI/DWI defense in Fauquier County or family law representation in Fauquier County. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.