Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Statutes
Virginia criminal offenses are defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in Augusta County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended license (§ 46.2-301). Sentencing follows Va. Code § 19.2-295.1, while expungement for acquittals or dismissals is governed by § 19.2-392.2. First offender programs under § 19.2-303.2 may lead to dismissal for eligible defendants.
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 (Title 18.2). Court information, forms, 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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes cases. Felony jury trials and appeals occur at Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Augusta County General District Court: Formal reading of charges at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton. Enter plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Review evidence from Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings in GDC determine if case proceeds to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Augusta County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Augusta County
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry varying penalties: Class 1 misdemeanors up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines; Class 5 felonies 1-10 years; Class 6 felonies 1-5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, prison time |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience with specific knowledge of Augusta County courts. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across 4,739+ firm-wide case results. 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
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. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges including assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic offenses in Augusta County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for similar outcomes.
Local Representation
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street). We are accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. Criminal defense lawyer near Augusta County serving 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, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring counties including Shenandoah County and Frederick County. In Augusta County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.