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 imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County with 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys understand local court procedures at Fauquier County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines are established in § 19.2-295.1, while expungement procedures for eligible cases are outlined in § 19.2-392.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive experience handling these statutes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) maintained by the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and local rules for Fauquier County are available on the Fauquier County General District Court website.
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, while the Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges and enter plea at Fauquier County General District Court before Judge Lorrie Ann Sinclair Taylor.
- Discovery Phase: Review prosecution evidence, police reports, and witness statements with your attorney.
- Motion Hearings: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate plea agreement for reduced charges.
- Sentencing or Appeal: Receive sentence or appeal to Fauquier County Circuit Court within 10 days for jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry significant penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines, while felonies range from 1-10 years imprisonment depending on classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Substance abuse assessment |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal proceedings. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
Fauquier County Case Results
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. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Available 24/7 for phone consultations at (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
For full Virginia criminal defense resources, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring jurisdictions including Fairfax County criminal defense and Prince William County criminal defense. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about attorney Kristen M. Fisher’s background and experience.
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.