Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. Fauquier County General District Court at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For Fauquier County court information, see the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an arrest or summons. You will have an initial appearance at Fauquier County General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes all criminal cases. You have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing at Fauquier County General District Court.
- Consult with a defense attorney to review charges and evidence.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible reduction or dismissal.
- Prepare for trial in General District Court (misdemeanors) or Circuit Court (felonies).
- If convicted, explore appeal options to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- After case resolution, determine eligibility for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and Class 5 felonies carrying 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (§ 18.2-250) | 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 and evidence.
Fauquier County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fauquier County, we have 1 documented result with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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 Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended charge resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this jurisdiction.
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, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We represent clients throughout Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(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 Criminal Defense Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby jurisdictions, see our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer pages. For other legal services in Fauquier County, consider our Fauquier County DUI lawyer or Fauquier County family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.