Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Fauquier County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). Sentencing guidelines are established in Va. Code § 19.2-295.1, and expungement procedures for eligible cases are governed by Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia statute.
- Fauquier County General District Court website — court information 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. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Fauquier County Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Fauquier County General District Court, enter a not guilty plea, and request discovery.
- Case review: Analyze police reports and evidence with your attorney. Identify constitutional violations for potential suppression motions.
- Negotiation: Discuss charge reduction or dismissal with the prosecutor based on evidence weaknesses.
- Trial preparation: For misdemeanors, prepare for bench trial in GDC. For felonies, prepare for preliminary hearing then Circuit Court jury trial.
- Post-trial: If convicted, consider appeal. If case is dismissed, file for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 typically | 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 affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, evidence, and defense strategy.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Public defender eligibility is based on income. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Firm Credentials
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 and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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: 1 case reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation
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 are a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton and 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: (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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — state hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — nearby locality.
- Fauquier County DUI/DWI Lawyer — related practice area.
- Kristen M. Fisher Attorney 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.