Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges are prosecuted at Fauquier County General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide case-specific defense strategies for misdemeanors and felonies. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony can result in 1-10 years imprisonment. The Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases at the local court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Fauquier County are available through the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. Felony jury trials proceed to Fauquier County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: Appear before a judge to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: Request personal recognizance or secured bond if detained.
- Discovery & Motions: Review evidence and file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence.
- Plea Negotiation: Discuss potential plea agreements with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial: Present your defense before a judge (GDC) or jury (Circuit Court).
- Sentencing: If convicted, present mitigation evidence before penalty determination.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years.
| 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 | Protective order, no-contact conditions |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution, probation |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with documented results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide.
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 charge reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
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. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (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.
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).
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information about criminal defense across Virginia, 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 such as DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving charges.
Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.