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 provide a strong defense at Augusta County General District Court.
In Augusta County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Augusta County General District Court located at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401.
Virginia Criminal Law in Augusta County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious. Felonies range from Class 6 (least serious) to Class 1 (most serious). The specific elements of each crime are defined in Va. Code Title 18.2.
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.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court information, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Court Process
The criminal process in Augusta County begins with arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings occur at Augusta County General District Court. Felony jury trials are held in Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Augusta County General District Court, hear charges, and enter a plea.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials are in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; jury trials move to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or dismissal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. First offender programs may lead to dismissal.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Augusta County
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (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) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Experience in Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique combination of perspectives to Augusta County criminal defense. Founded in 1997, the firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing insight into both sides of a case.
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 for those cases. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in matters heard at Augusta County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. Our criminal defense lawyers near Staunton and Waynesboro provide representation 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.
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.
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).
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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Shenandoah County criminal defense lawyer and Rockingham County criminal defense lawyer. In Augusta County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and family law.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.