Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Augusta County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas. Our former prosecutor and former state trooper attorneys provide a case-specific approach for your defense in Augusta County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Augusta County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. In Augusta County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Augusta County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, or the Augusta County Circuit Court for felony trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – Official Virginia statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Augusta County General District Court Website – Official .gov site for court information, forms, and procedures.
Augusta County Court Process for Criminal Cases
The criminal process in Augusta County starts with an arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate. Your case then moves to Augusta County General District Court for arraignment. For misdemeanors, the trial will be held there. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to Augusta County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at GDC: You appear at Augusta County General District Court to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence from the prosecutor and may file pre-trial motions.
- Resolution: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If not, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Augusta County
In Augusta County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense under Virginia law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Virginia Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We focus on providing full representation in criminal matters across Virginia.
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
Case Results in Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Staunton, Waynesboro, and throughout the Augusta County area.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
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 Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state-wide hub page.
- Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Augusta County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.