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 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutor attorneys provide defense at Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity: misdemeanors (Classes 1-4) and felonies (Classes 1-6). Fauquier County prosecutes these cases through the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles criminal defense across Virginia with specific experience in Fauquier County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For Fauquier County court information: Fauquier County General District Court website (Virginia court system).
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. Fauquier County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes cases with specific local procedures.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before magistrate within 24 hours of arrest for bond determination.
- Arraignment: Formal hearing at Fauquier County GDC to hear charges and enter plea.
- Discovery Phase: Review prosecution evidence and file pre-trial motions.
- Trial Preparation: Prepare for bench trial (GDC) or jury trial (Circuit Court).
- Negotiation: Discuss plea agreements with Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Sentencing: Proceed to trial or present mitigation evidence if convicted.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felony 1-10 years; assault and battery under § 18.2-57 is Class 1 misdemeanor.
| 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 typically | Protective orders, employment impacts |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft record, employment denial |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5/6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Filing fees and bonds: Magistrate sets bond at arrest. Personal recognizance common for first misdemeanors. Secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges ~10%). Court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Criminal Defense Experience in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides criminal defense representation in Fauquier County with former prosecutors on staff. Founded in 1997, the firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. Our attorneys understand Fauquier County court procedures and Commonwealth’s Attorney practices.
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
Fauquier County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Fauquier County: 1 case reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate for this locality). We handle assault, theft, drug possession, DUI, and other criminal charges in Fauquier County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes in future cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Fauquier County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We represent clients throughout Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. Accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17.
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 Virginia criminal defense information: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For criminal defense in nearby areas: Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Fauquier County: Fauquier County DUI/DWI lawyer and Fauquier County family law lawyer. Learn more about 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 legal guidance.