Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Augusta County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in Augusta County General District Court, while felonies proceed to Augusta County Circuit Court for jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes all cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court-specific information, see the Augusta County General District Court official website.
Augusta County Criminal Court Process
Augusta County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court is located at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available for eligible defendants.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Augusta County Adult Detention Center. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Augusta County General District Court: Your first court date at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton. You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files motions to suppress or dismiss if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony preliminary hearings are held there, with jury trials moving to Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have appeal rights to Circuit Court for a new trial.
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 under Va. Code § 19.2-295.1.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | 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 | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases.
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 documented case results in Augusta County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. Our attorneys work to achieve dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Augusta County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near Staunton, Waynesboro, and throughout the Augusta County area.
We serve the communities of 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.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
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 Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state hub page with full Virginia criminal law information.
Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving neighboring Shenandoah County.
Rockingham County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving neighboring Rockingham County.
Augusta County DUI/DWI Lawyer – DUI defense services in Augusta County.
Bryan Block Attorney Profile – Learn more about our former Virginia State Trooper attorney.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Office – Our location serving Augusta County.
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 legal guidance.