Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Criminal Defense Statutes in Augusta County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, defining offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. In Augusta County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Augusta County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials conducted in Augusta County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court information, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
Criminal Defense Process in Augusta County
Augusta County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes cases, with first offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for qualified defendants.
- Appear at Augusta County General District Court for arraignment. Enter a plea of not guilty to preserve your rights.
- Obtain and review all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, including police reports and witness statements.
- File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
- Discuss potential plea agreements or diversion programs with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial at Augusta County General District Court or request jury trial in Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Augusta County
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines, and felonies carrying 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program available |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and circumstances.
Criminal Defense Experience in Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, with over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Augusta County, we have 13 documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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 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. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges including assault, theft, drug possession, and traffic offenses in Augusta County courts.
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, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. We provide criminal defense representation throughout the Augusta County area including 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 Criminal Defense Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring counties including Shenandoah County and Rockingham County. In Augusta County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and reckless driving.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.