Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Fauquier County
Virginia criminal law is defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Fauquier County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). These cases are heard at the Fauquier County General District Court located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. Court information, including forms and procedures for Fauquier County, is available on the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins with an arraignment at Fauquier County General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials proceed in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
- Attend your arraignment to enter a plea and request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Review discovery with your attorney to examine the prosecution’s evidence.
- File pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or seek case dismissal.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential plea agreement or diversion program.
- Prepare for trial if no acceptable agreement is reached.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have the right to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Jail time mandatory for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fauquier County, we have 1 documented criminal defense result with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insight into both sides of criminal cases.
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/amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Fauquier County and Surrounding Areas
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). We are accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17. As a criminal defense lawyer near Fauquier County, we represent clients in 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.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 Services
For more information on criminal defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby localities including Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County criminal defense lawyer. In Fauquier County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.