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 misdemeanors like simple assault (§ 18.2-57) to felonies like grand larceny (§ 18.2-95). Sentencing guidelines under § 19.2-295.1 determine penalties based on offense classification. Expungement eligibility follows § 19.2-392.2 for dismissals and acquittals. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings 120+ years of combined legal experience to these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). Court information and procedures for Augusta County are available at the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Court Procedures
Augusta County General District Court at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Augusta County Circuit Court manages felony jury trials and appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing before a magistrate
- Arraignment at Augusta County General District Court to enter plea
- Discovery period where prosecution provides evidence to defense
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Trial in General District Court (misdemeanors) or preliminary hearing (felonies)
- Sentencing or appeal to Augusta County Circuit Court
Criminal Penalties in Augusta County
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration based on Virginia’s classification system.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| First Offense Marijuana Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Possible first offender dismissal |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for certain suspensions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to criminal defense in Augusta County.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
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. As a criminal defense lawyer near Augusta County, we represent clients throughout Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 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 Services
For Virginia criminal defense overview, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby counties, see Shenandoah County criminal defense lawyer and Frederick County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Augusta County, consider Augusta County DUI/DWI lawyer or Augusta County family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.