Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This full statute defines offenses from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 5 felonies (1-10 years). Specific sections include § 18.2-57 for assault and battery, § 18.2-96 for petit larceny under $1,000, and § 46.2-301 for driving on suspended license. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Augusta County Criminal Court Process
Augusta County General District Court at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion for eligible defendants.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing before magistrate
- Arraignment at Augusta County General District Court to enter plea
- Discovery review and pre-trial motions filing
- Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony preliminary hearing
- Felony jury trials in Augusta County Circuit Court if bound over
- Sentencing or appeal to Circuit Court if convicted in GDC
Augusta County Criminal Penalties
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail/$2,500; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ | Class 6 felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Criminal Defense Experience in Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with firsthand knowledge of police procedures and prosecution strategies. We have 13 documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas with 100% favorable outcome rate.
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
Augusta County Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas with 100% favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges including assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic violations in Augusta County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Augusta County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Augusta County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Augusta 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 Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401). 13 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can criminal charges be expunged in Augusta 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 Augusta County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 13 total documented case results across all practice areas (100% favorable outcome rate)
How does bail work in Augusta County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Augusta County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Augusta 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 Augusta County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Augusta County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 13 total documented case results across all practice areas (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 Augusta County?
Augusta County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Augusta 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. Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – State hub page
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Augusta County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Augusta County Family Law Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Primary attorney
- Shenandoah/Woodstock Office – Our location
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.