Criminal Defense Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
If you face criminal charges in Augusta County, you need immediate legal help. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in Augusta County
Virginia’s criminal code, primarily under Title 18.2, defines offenses and penalties. In Augusta County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses over 120 years of combined legal experience to defend clients.
Last verified: March 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (law.lis.virginia.gov). Information about the Augusta County General District Court, including location and hours, is available on the Virginia Courts website (vacourts.gov).
Augusta County Court Process
All misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings start at Augusta County General District Court at 6 East Johnson Street, Staunton. Felony jury trials and appeals happen at Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Arrest & Bond: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at Augusta County GDC to enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Hearing: Misdemeanor trials are in GDC. Felony preliminary hearings are in GDC; trials move to Circuit Court.
- Outcome: This may be dismissal, plea agreement, or trial verdict.
- Post-Trial: This includes sentencing, appeal to Circuit Court, or filing for expungement if eligible.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Augusta County
In Augusta County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to over 10 years in prison, depending on the offense classification 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Theft record; impacts employment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1 to 10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record; loss of rights |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Augusta County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Augusta County, we have 13 documented case results across all practice areas. Our tagline is “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
Case Results in Augusta County
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 for these matters. These results include dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in Augusta County General District and Circuit Courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving the Augusta County Area
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Augusta County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. As a criminal defense lawyer near Augusta County and Staunton, we represent clients throughout the region.
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.
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.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a neighboring county.
Augusta County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
View the profile of Attorney Bryan Block.
Learn more about our Shenandoah/Woodstock location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance.