Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier County criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11) to felonies; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results in Fauquier County with 100% favorable outcome rate. Our former prosecutors 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. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Fauquier County court procedures.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses).
Fauquier County court information: Fauquier County General District Court website.
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 handles felony jury trials and appeals.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges at Fauquier County General District Court. Enter plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Exchange evidence with Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials in GDC; felony preliminary hearings in GDC then jury trial in Circuit Court if bound over.
- Sentencing or appeal: Sentencing follows conviction. Appeals from GDC go to Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Fauquier County Criminal Penalties
In Fauquier County, criminal offenses carry penalties from fines to prison time based on 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Fauquier County Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings former prosecutor insight to Fauquier County criminal cases. Founded in 1997, the firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of local court procedures.
Our attorneys understand how Fauquier County Commonwealth’s Attorney offices approach different charges and what strategies work in local courts.
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
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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 Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense results in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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), accessible via I-66, Route 29, and Route 17.
Criminal defense lawyer near 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
(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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fauquier County DUI Lawyer
Attorney profile: Kristen M. Fisher
Location: Fairfax Office
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.