Fauquier County Sheriff's Office

78 W Lee Street, Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 422-8600
Non-Emergency (540) 347-3300

EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1

As a victim or witness to a crime, you have certain rights under Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.  

For additional information follow this link to "A Guide for Crime Victims"

If a crime has occurred:

- Call 9-1-1 Immediately,

- When the deputy arrives, explain what happened,

- Plan for your safety - it is important to plan for your safety, and the safety of your children in addition to your    civil and criminal options.

- For help making a personal safety plan, call your local domestic violence program.  Make a list of telephone        numbers for family, friends, doctors and domestic violence programs. 

- If you need assistance from a magistrate and one is not available, please call the Emergency Communications    Division at 540-347-3300 and a deputy will assist you. 

Criminal Options

- If the deputy has probable cause to believe an assault and battery has occurred, the deputy will arrest the        offender.

- If the offender is no longer present, you or the deputy will need to appear before the magistrate to request a      warrant.

- A warrant is a legal order authorizing a law enforcement officer to make an arrest.  It is based on a sworn          statement by you about what happened.

- You do not have to be physically injured to apply for a warrant.  A warrant can be issued for threats,        stalking, property damage, trespassing and other crimes. 

- The offender may be released after the arrest.  If released, find out from the jail or magistrate if there are any    conditions of release.

- Magistrates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Civil Options

- The deputy who responds to your call for help may request an emergency protective order over the phone.        The order is in place for 72 hours or until the next court day.  

- If you do not wish to apply for a warrant, or in addition to the warrant, you may ask for a civil protective order from the magistrate or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Intake Office.

- Protective orders may order the abuser to stay away from you and to stop assaulting you. 

- The order is only effective if it has been served on the offender.

Going to Court

- If a warrant or preliminary protective order has been issued you will be going to court. 

- Be prepared to provide testimony, evidence and witnesses. 

- Resources are available to assist you when you go to court.