Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses by severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings direct insight into case construction from the other side.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, see the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Fauquier County court information, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; you can appeal for a Circuit Court jury trial.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows. For dismissals, file an expungement petition in Circuit Court.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 result in Fauquier County: 1 criminal case reduced or amended, achieving a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. This result is specific to Fauquier County proceedings.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County, accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. We serve 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.
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 Resources
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters like DUI defense. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.