Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, establishes penalties, and outlines court procedures. Key sections include § 18.2-57 for assault and battery (Class 1 misdemeanor), § 18.2-96 for petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor for theft under $1,000), and § 46.2-301 for driving on a suspended license. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies deep knowledge of these statutes to build effective defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. Court procedures and local rules for Fauquier County are available on the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Felony jury trials and appeals from GDC move to Fauquier County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes cases. Virginia’s speedy trial rights aim for a trial within 5 months for misdemeanors and 9 months for felonies if incarcerated.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court: Appear at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all defense options.
- Discovery and motion filing: Review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties defined by Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years imprisonment.
| 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 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 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+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. With 4,739+ firm-wide case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, we provide strong representation grounded in prosecutorial insight. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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 criminal defense result in Fauquier County: 1 case reduced or amended, achieving a 100% favorable outcome rate for clients in this jurisdiction. We focus on obtaining dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Service
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). As a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County, we represent clients in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. 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 broader Virginia criminal defense information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. 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 updated guidance.