Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC provides experienced legal representation to individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Warrenton and Fauquier County. Our attorneys handle criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation matters – advising clients on legal procedures, building case strategy, and arguing on their behalf before judges in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Whether you’re facing criminal charges, navigating a divorce, or dealing with a business dispute, you’ll work directly with an attorney who understands Virginia law and what it takes to get results in these courts.
Our Warrenton office is located at 21 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA 20186, and can be reached at (540) 386-1277.
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to clients throughout Warrenton and Fauquier County. The firm was founded by William D. Ashwell and J. Gregory Ashwell, whose backgrounds include time spent as a judge and as a prosecutor. That experience influences how we evaluate cases, anticipate court responses, and advise clients.
Our team of attorneys includes:
Ashwell & Ashwell has been recognized by Avvo, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, and is a member of the Fauquier County Bar Association.
We handle a range of legal matters for clients in Warrenton and the surrounding area. Our primary practice areas serving the Warrenton community are:
Facing a criminal charge in Fauquier County General District Court or Circuit Court is serious. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged with DUI/DWI, drug offenses, assault, traffic violations, and felonies across Warrenton and surrounding counties. We work to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome from the very beginning.
Family law matters in Fauquier County require attorneys who understand both Virginia’s legal framework and the practical reality of what divorce, custody, and support proceedings look like locally. We represent individuals and families in Warrenton in contested and uncontested divorces, custody and relocation disputes, spousal support proceedings, and property division matters. In adoption and guardianship cases, our attorneys help ensure the intent of all parties is properly documented and legally sound.
Disputes don’t resolve themselves, and in Fauquier County (where many civil matters involve property boundaries, partition actions, and long-standing business relationships) having attorneys who know the local courts makes a practical difference. Our civil litigation team handles breach of contract and business and contract disputes, partition actions, land and boundary disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, construction litigation, employment disputes, and wage and hour matters in Fauquier County Circuit Court and beyond. Civil cases demand knowledge of the law and command of procedure, and our attorneys bring both.
When a trial court ruling doesn’t go your way, the path forward runs through Virginia’s appellate courts – the Circuit Court, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, or the Supreme Court of Virginia, depending on where the case originated and what’s being challenged. Our appellate attorneys handle both criminal and civil appeals for Warrenton and Fauquier County clients, reviewing trial records, identifying procedural and legal errors, and drafting briefs that stand up to appellate scrutiny. Appeals aren’t retrials – the standards, deadlines, and filing requirements differ significantly from trial court practice – which is why experience with Virginia’s appellate system matters from the first notice of appeal.
Businesses in Warrenton and Fauquier County face the same transactional, regulatory, and dispute-resolution needs as larger markets – often with a local context that shapes how those matters are handled. Our business attorneys advise closely held companies, partnerships, nonprofits, and individual owners on business formation and corporate governance, contract drafting and review, commercial transactions, and business tort claims. When disputes arise, we litigate breach of contract, partnership and shareholder disagreements, and related commercial matters in Fauquier County Circuit Court and throughout Northern Virginia.
Estate planning in Virginia is about more than drafting documents – it’s about making sure your wishes hold up when they matter. Our Warrenton estate planning attorneys prepare wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives for Fauquier County residents and families. We also handle probate and estate administration after a loved one passes, guiding executors and administrators through Fauquier County Circuit Court filings, creditor notices, asset distributions, and the tax questions that often surface along the way.
A serious injury from a car accident, trucking collision, or other incident can change everything – physically, financially, and legally. Our personal injury attorneys represent Warrenton and Fauquier County clients injured through the negligence of others, handling claims against insurance carriers and, where settlement isn’t possible, litigating in Fauquier County Circuit Court. Virginia’s pure contributory negligence rule is one of the most plaintiff-unfriendly standards in the country, which makes early case strategy and evidence preservation critical to any recovery.
Most legal matters arising in Warrenton are heard in one of three courts, all located in Warrenton:
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil claims under $25,000. Cases are decided by a judge, there are no jury trials in General District Court.
Fauquier County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, divorce proceedings, and appeals from General District Court, where jury trials are available.
Fauquier County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence matters.
Our attorneys appear regularly in all three courts and are familiar with local procedure, judicial expectations, and how cases move through each docket. For clients whose matters arise in neighboring jurisdictions (Culpeper County, Rappahannock County, and Prince William County), we are also admitted to practice and can represent you in those courts.
Legal matters whether criminal, civil, or personal, affect every part of a client’s life. We approach every representation with that in mind. Our attorneys have a duty to act in your best interest, and in a community like Warrenton, where reputations are built over decades, that duty is how we operate. You’ll hear from your attorney directly, understand your options before any decisions are made, and you’ll receive honest advice and a clear picture of what you’re facing.
Warrenton is a small legal community. Our attorneys appear regularly in Fauquier County courts and have built working relationships with local clerks, judges, and the broader legal community. You get experienced counsel without the overhead of a large regional firm, and direct attorney access from intake through resolution.
When evaluating legal representation, relevant experience, clear communication, and a track record in the courts where your matter will be heard are what count.
Reaching out is the first step. When you contact us, you’ll speak with a member of our team who can learn about your matter and schedule time with the right attorney. We offer consultations by phone or in person at our Warrenton office, conveniently located in downtown Warrenton.
Our Warrenton office serves clients throughout Fauquier County and the surrounding area, including Remington, Midland, Bealeton, New Baltimore, and The Plains. For matters arising outside Fauquier County, our attorneys are admitted to practice in courts throughout Northern Virginia and the broader Commonwealth.
How do I look up a court case in Fauquier County?
Fauquier County Circuit Court and General District Court case records can be searched through Virginia’s online case information system at va.courts.gov. If you or a family member has a pending charge or case in Fauquier County and you’re trying to understand what’s been filed, what the next court date is, or what the charge actually means, speaking with an attorney is usually the fastest way to get a clear picture – the online records show case status but don’t explain your options or what the charge carries under Virginia law.
What is the difference between Fauquier County General District Court and Circuit Court?
Fauquier County has two trial courts handling most civil and criminal matters in Warrenton. General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses – including reckless driving – and civil claims under $25,000. Cases are decided by a judge; there are no jury trials. Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, divorce proceedings, and appeals from General District Court, where jury trials are available. Felony charges typically begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before being certified to Circuit Court. Both courts are located at the Fauquier County Courthouse in Warrenton. Knowing which court your matter is in – and what that means for procedure, timeline, and strategy – is one of the first things we address with new clients.
Is reckless driving a criminal charge in Virginia – and what happens in Fauquier County court?
Yes. In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor – the same classification as a first-offense DUI – not a traffic infraction. Driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit, or above 85 mph regardless of the posted limit, qualifies automatically. Reckless driving cases in Fauquier County are heard in General District Court in Warrenton. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, up to 12 months in jail, fines up to $2,500, and six demerit points that stay on your driving record for 11 years. Many people charged with reckless driving in Fauquier County don’t realize they’re facing a criminal charge – not a ticket – until they appear in court.
How long does a divorce take in Fauquier County?
For an uncontested divorce – where both spouses agree on all issues – Virginia requires a separation period of six months if there are no minor children, or one year if there are. Once that period is satisfied, the case is filed in Fauquier County Circuit Court and can typically be finalized within a few weeks to a couple of months depending on current docket scheduling in Warrenton. A contested divorce, where the parties disagree on property division, custody, or support, can take considerably longer – often one to two years or more if it proceeds to trial. An attorney familiar with Fauquier County Circuit Court can give you a realistic timeline based on current local conditions.
How do I schedule a consultation with Ashwell & Ashwell in Warrenton?
Call our Warrenton office at (540) 386-1277 or reach out through our online contact form. When you get in touch, a member of our team will ask about your matter and arrange time with an attorney. We offer consultations by phone or in person at 21 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA 20186.
Ready to speak with a Warrenton attorney? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
A criminal defense attorney serves as your advocate and guide throughout every stage of your legal proceedings. From the moment of arrest or charge, your attorney will explain your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case. They will investigate the facts, review evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or plea agreements, and represent you vigorously at trial if necessary. Your attorney ensures that law enforcement and the prosecution respect your constitutional rights at every turn, working to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
In general, the civil litigation process encompasses several crucial stages, beginning with the Pleadings phase, where parties formally outline their claims and defenses. Following that, the Discovery stage allows both sides to gather evidence through depositions and document requests to support their case. Pre-trial motions aim to resolve the case or limit issues before trial. If unresolved, the process moves to Trial, where the case is argued in court. Finally, the Appeal phase offers a chance to challenge the trial’s outcome. Each stage is pivotal, designed to ensure fairness and resolve disputes effectively.
A DUI conviction in Virginia carries serious consequences that can affect many areas of your life. For a first offense, you may face fines starting at $250, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), and possible jail time. Subsequent offenses result in significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and the possibility of felony charges. A DUI conviction also creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact your employment, insurance rates, and professional licenses. Our attorneys work aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Our family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters affecting families and individuals. We represent clients in divorce and legal separation proceedings, including both contested and uncontested cases. We also handle child custody and visitation disputes, child support and spousal support (alimony) matters, equitable distribution of marital property, and the enforcement or modification of existing court orders. Additionally, our attorneys assist with adoption proceedings, paternity actions, domestic violence protective orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Whatever your family law matter, our team is committed to protecting your rights and the well-being of your family.
A comprehensive Virginia estate plan typically includes several key documents. A Last Will and Testament outlines how your assets will be distributed and may name a guardian for minor children. A Revocable Living Trust allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. Financial Powers of Attorney designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) specify your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts are also critical components. Our estate planning attorneys will work with you to ensure all documents are properly drafted and reflect your wishes.
