In Fauquier County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Fauquier County: 1 reduced/amended. A Gun Crime Lawyer Fauquier County can help protect your rights.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 1 (life in prison) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The primary statute governing these offenses is Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses), with sentencing under § 19.2-295.1 and expungement provisions under § 19.2-392.2.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources for Fauquier County Criminal Cases
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Fauquier County General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Fauquier County General District Court
Fauquier County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes cases here. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and Initial Appearance: You are brought before a magistrate who sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in Fauquier County GDC to hear charges and enter a plea. This typically occurs within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence and files pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduced charge or diversion program.
- Trial or Plea: If no agreement, your case proceeds to trial before a judge. You have the right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence. You may appeal to Fauquier County Circuit Court within 10 days.
In Fauquier County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, vehicle impoundment possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fauquier County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. In Fauquier County, we have 1 documented result: 1 reduced/amended.
Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This insider knowledge allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and build strong defense strategies.
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 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fauquier County Criminal Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186), accessible via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211.
Searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Warrenton or Gun Crime Lawyer Fauquier County? 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. — Fairfax Location
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fauquier County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fauquier County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2: 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 are heard at Fauquier County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
How does bail work in Fauquier County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. 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?
Yes, criminal charges in Fauquier County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. 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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Fauquier County DUI Lawyer
- Fauquier County Reckless Driving Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Fairfax Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.