In Augusta County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. Your case requires a focused defense strategy from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads the firm’s criminal defense practice.
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court procedures and rules, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
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 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment in Augusta County GDC within 4-8 weeks for misdemeanors.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge in GDC or jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days of conviction.
In Augusta County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on the classification of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia law. The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across all practice areas.
In Augusta County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Examples include a reckless driving charge (86/65) reduced to improper driving in Augusta County GDC, and a reckless driving charge (94/70) reduced to reckless driving 88/70, avoiding a 4-day jail sentence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401). The location is accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Augusta County? We serve 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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and $1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Augusta County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes, 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.
How does bail work in Augusta County, Virginia?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Augusta County General District Court. Public defender eligibility is based on income.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges in Augusta County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.