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. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Augusta County can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 1 (life in prison) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes all criminal cases. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Augusta County understands these classifications and how they apply to your specific charges. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense.
For the complete statutory framework governing criminal offenses in Virginia, review Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and local rules, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
In Augusta County General District Court, prosecutors routinely offer first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges. Your attorney can negotiate these programs before trial.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest or citation.
- Your attorney requests discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Your attorney evaluates eligibility for first-offender programs under § 19.2-303.2.
- Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for reduced charges or diversion.
- If no agreement, your case proceeds to trial in General District Court.
- If convicted, your attorney can appeal to Augusta County Circuit Court for a new trial.
In Augusta County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time based on classification under Virginia law.
| 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, vehicle impoundment possible |
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., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape Virginia law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” A Health Care Fraud lawyer Augusta County from SRIS, P.C. brings this depth of experience to your case.
Bryan Block — Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). Mr. Block brings unique law enforcement insight to criminal defense, understanding how police build cases and where procedural errors occur. He handles criminal defense cases in Augusta County and throughout Virginia.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also oversees criminal defense matters in Augusta County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
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
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. One example: a reckless driving charge (86/65) under Va. Code § 46.2-862 was reduced to improper driving in Augusta County General District Court.
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, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401), 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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
By appointment only.
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 carries up to 6 months and $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 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?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Augusta County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges approximately 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?
Yes, criminal charges in Augusta County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Augusta County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. See also our Shenandoah County criminal defense lawyer and Rockingham County criminal defense lawyer pages. For related services in Augusta County, see our DUI lawyer in Augusta County and reckless driving lawyer in Augusta County pages.
Learn more about our attorneys: Bryan Block.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.