Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
If you face criminal charges in Augusta County, contact us immediately at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Augusta County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious but still carry jail time. Felonies involve more severe penalties and potential prison sentences. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes these cases.
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. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Augusta County court information, see the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County Criminal Court Process
Augusta County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Augusta County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Enter plea at Augusta County General District Court. Request court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Discovery: Review evidence. File motions to suppress or dismiss if appropriate.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings in GDC; jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals go to Circuit Court.
- Expungement: Possible for acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi under § 19.2-392.2.
Augusta County Criminal Penalties
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension 6 months | First offender program possible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Bond amount is set by magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for 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).
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 your defense. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from both sides. We have achieved 13 documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Augusta County, Virginia
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. Our criminal defense lawyer near Staunton and Waynesboro provides representation throughout the Augusta County area.
We serve 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 Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Our state hub page for criminal defense across Virginia.
Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving neighboring Shenandoah County.
Augusta County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in Augusta County.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Learn more about your attorney.
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.