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, Kristen M. Fisher, provides defense at Fauquier County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, see the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Your case will start at Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all charges. You have the right to a jury trial for any offense with potential jail time, which would move your case to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-time misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at GDC to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Resolution: Most cases resolve via plea agreement. Otherwise, a bench trial occurs in GDC.
- Trial or Appeal: You can demand a jury trial in Circuit Court. GDC convictions can be appealed to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry a penalty range from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification and specific statute violated.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time likely if suspended for DUI |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are the maximum under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Firm’s Background
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach is case-specific, built on direct experience with Virginia court procedures.
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
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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, with 1 case reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts. We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. As a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton, we serve the communities of 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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. 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.