Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia criminal law categorizes offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). In Fauquier County, most criminal cases begin at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience handling criminal matters across Virginia.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For Fauquier County court information, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. More serious felony cases proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court for jury trials.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination.
- Arraignment: Formally hear charges and enter a plea at Fauquier County General District Court.
- Discovery Phase: Review evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Negotiation or Trial: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or proceed to bench trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: Receive sentence if convicted, or appeal to Circuit Court for jury trial.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine, while Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | 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 |
| DUI (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Mandatory $250-$2,500 | 1 year suspension | Ignition interlock, VASAP |
Results may vary. The penalties listed represent maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings substantial experience to Fauquier County criminal cases. Founded in 1997, our firm combines over 120 years of attorney experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to criminal defense in Warrenton and throughout Fauquier County.
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/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for our local cases. These results demonstrate our effective approach to criminal defense in Fauquier County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near 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 about criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters including DUI/DWI defense and family law cases.
Learn more about attorney Kristen 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.