Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law covers offenses from misdemeanors like assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (theft over $1,000). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases at the Fauquier County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials moving to Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia Code
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia General Assembly criminal code (Title 18.2). Court procedures and forms are available through the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Criminal Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases, and defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate at the jail or courthouse.
- First appearance/arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court to enter a plea.
- For misdemeanors: trial scheduled within 4-8 weeks; for felonies: preliminary hearing within 21-60 days.
- If bound over to Circuit Court: arraignment, discovery, motions, and potential jury trial within 3-9 months.
- Sentencing follows conviction, with options for appeal or expungement petitions where applicable.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500, Class 5 felonies 1-10 years, with assault and battery classified as Class 1 misdemeanors under Va. Code § 18.2-57.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Criminal record, possible protective orders |
| 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 | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for certain suspensions |
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 combine over 120 years of legal experience, with former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block bringing 15 years of law enforcement insight to criminal defense strategies in Fauquier County courts.
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 with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys work to achieve reduced charges, dismissals, or favorable plea agreements based on case specifics.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense 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 areas.
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.
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.
Related Legal Services
For full Virginia criminal defense, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County criminal defense and Prince William County criminal defense. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters like DUI/DWI defense and family law cases. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
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.