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 Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a strategic defense at 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. Misdemeanors are heard in Augusta County General District Court, while felonies proceed to Augusta County Circuit Court for jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience to handle criminal cases in Augusta County.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. The Augusta County General District Court website provides local rules, forms, and contact information.
Augusta County Criminal Court Process
The criminal process in Augusta County begins with arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. Your first court date is arraignment at Augusta County General District Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Augusta County Magistrate’s Office. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Augusta County General District Court: Your first court date at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal GDC decisions to Augusta County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Augusta County Criminal Penalties
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification 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 | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Augusta County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Augusta County. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 Criminal Defense Case Results
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 Augusta County courts, accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Staunton, Waynesboro, and throughout the Augusta County area.
We serve clients in 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 more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby counties: Shenandoah County criminal defense lawyer, Frederick County criminal defense lawyer.
In Augusta County, we handle related matters: Augusta County DUI/DWI lawyer, Augusta County family law lawyer.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.