Gun crimes in Augusta County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2, with penalties ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to Class 5 felonies (1-10 years in prison). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Augusta County, including 13 documented case results across all practice areas.
Gun Crime Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Virginia law strictly regulates firearm possession, use, and transfer. Under Va. Code Title 18.2, gun crimes include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (§ 18.2-308.2), carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (§ 18.2-308), brandishing a firearm (§ 18.2-282), and using a firearm in the commission of a felony (§ 18.2-53.1). A conviction can result in mandatory minimum sentences, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. A firearms offense defense lawyer Augusta County understands the specific statutes and penalties that apply in your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of Virginia’s firearms laws, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and forms, visit Augusta County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Augusta County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for gun crimes, particularly when a firearm is used in connection with another felony. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County often files additional charges under § 18.2-53.1 (use of a firearm in commission of a felony), which carries a mandatory minimum of three years.
- Do not consent to any search of your vehicle, home, or person without a warrant.
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions about firearms.
- Preserve any documentation of lawful firearm purchase or ownership.
- Contact a gun charge defense lawyer Augusta County before your first court date.
- Attend all scheduled hearings at Augusta County General District Court or Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding potential defenses, including self-defense or lack of intent.
In Augusta County, gun crimes carry penalties ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors to Class 5 felonies, with mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (§ 18.2-308.2) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Permanent criminal record; federal charges possible |
| Carrying Concealed Weapon (§ 18.2-308) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of concealed carry permit | May affect employment and housing |
| Brandishing a Firearm (§ 18.2-282) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | May be charged as a felony if prior conviction |
| Use of Firearm in Commission of Felony (§ 18.2-53.1) | Class 6 Felony | 3 years mandatory minimum | Up to $2,500 | Loss of firearm rights | Consecutive to underlying felony sentence |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our firm has extensive experience defending gun crime cases in Augusta County, including 13 documented case results in the locality. We understand the local court procedures at Augusta County General District Court and Augusta County Circuit Court.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented results in Augusta County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include traffic/reckless driving cases, demonstrating our firm’s ability to achieve favorable outcomes in Augusta County courts.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 60 miles from Augusta County General District Court, with access via I-81 and Route 11. If you need a Gun Crime Lawyer Augusta County near you, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Crimes in Augusta County
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).
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Augusta County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
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.
Yes, but only for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Augusta County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Augusta County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
Yes. Criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences, including jail time and a permanent record.
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.
GDC handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
Learn more about our services: Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia (state hub). For similar cases in nearby localities, see Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer Albemarle County. For other legal needs in Augusta County, visit Business Succession Lawyer Augusta County and Family Law Lawyer Augusta County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-29.