Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; felonies 1-10 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutors provide full representation at Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court.
In Fauquier County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the courthouse on 6 Court Street in Warrenton.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This includes definitions and penalties for offenses ranging from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft over $1,000). Sentencing guidelines are found in § 19.2-295.1, and expungement procedures for certain case outcomes are in § 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 database.
- Fauquier County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge with potential jail time.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment and Plea Entry: At Fauquier County GDC, you are formally charged and enter a plea.
- Discovery and Motion Practice: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Plea Agreement: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You can appeal GDC decisions to Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties based on their classification under Virginia law, with incarceration, fines, and long-term consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Possible jail, fines |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
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 criminal defense. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of each client’s situation in Fauquier County courts.
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 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.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County, we represent clients in 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 | (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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Representation in a neighboring locality.
- Fauquier County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn more about your assigned counsel.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from official sources as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.