
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Augusta County criminal charges range from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine under Va. Code Title 18.2) to felonies carrying years in prison. 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 attorneys provide defense at Augusta County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Augusta County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles cases from assault and battery to serious felonies in Augusta County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
Augusta County Criminal Court Process
Augusta County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings at 6 East Johnson Street, Staunton. Augusta County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes cases.
- Arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Augusta County General District Court to hear charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Preliminary hearing (felonies): For felony charges, a hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Trial or plea agreement: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony jury trials happen in Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For dismissals, file expungement in Circuit Court under § 19.2-392.2.
Augusta County Criminal Penalties
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fines.
| 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 (under $1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug education program |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Experience in Augusta County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Augusta County, we have 13 documented case results across all practice areas. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Bryan Block
Of Counsel (Former Virginia State Trooper)
Bar Admissions: Virginia; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience. Provides intimate knowledge of police protocols and investigation standards for criminal and traffic cases in Augusta County and throughout Virginia.
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 in Augusta County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies 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 (6 East Johnson Street), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Staunton, Waynesboro, and other Augusta County communities.
We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, Churchville and surrounding Augusta County areas.
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
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.