Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Greene County
Virginia criminal law is defined by statutes in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. These laws classify offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, each with specific penalties. In Greene County, cases begin at the Greene County General District Court for misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Greene County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Greene County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Greene County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond. An initial court date is scheduled at Greene County General District Court.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: For misdemeanors, a bench trial may be held in General District Court. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in General District Court, you can appeal for a new trial in Greene County Circuit Court. Sentencing follows Virginia’s guidelines.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Greene County
In Greene County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense under Virginia law.
| 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 | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | Discretionary | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Greene County. A secured bond is typical for felonies, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 10% of the bond amount.
Our Experience in Greene County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on providing full representation for criminal charges in Greene County. Our approach uses our experience with local court procedures to handle the details of your case.
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 Greene County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Greene County: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has handled 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Greene County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts. We represent individuals in Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and the surrounding Greene County area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Greene County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Greene County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are heard at Greene County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Greene County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi (when a prosecutor drops the charge) under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Greene County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through a deferred disposition program.
How does bail work in Greene County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Greene County. A secured bond (a bail bondsman charges about 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the Greene County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Greene County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Greene County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Greene County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Greene County?
Greene County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Greene 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 potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Greene County, we also handle DUI/DWI defense and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.