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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with 100% favorable outcome. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide defense at Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton).
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors include assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and disorderly conduct. Felonies include grand larceny ($1,000+), drug distribution, and serious assaults. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases in Fauquier County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Review the actual statutes: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information: Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals. Spring break often brings increased arrests for public intoxication and underage drinking in the Warrenton area.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. Enter a plea and receive future court dates.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss if errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings are in GDC with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court for new trial.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; Class 6 felony 1-5 years.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | 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 program |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250-$2,500 | 1 year suspension | Ignition interlock required |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Fauquier County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
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
Fauquier County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County: 1 case reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). We defend clients at Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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). We represent clients throughout Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17.
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: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Also see criminal defense in nearby localities: Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. Related practice areas in Fauquier County: DUI/DWI lawyer and family law lawyer.
View attorney profile: Kristen M. Fisher profile.
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.