In Augusta County, a criminal charge under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries penalties up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County. A strong defense starts now.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses 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 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
For the official state statute, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the Augusta County General District Court website.
Augusta County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Augusta County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Augusta County prosecutes all cases. First offender programs are available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 — successful completion results in dismissal. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. Expungement is available for acquittals, nolle prosequi, and dismissals under § 19.2-392.2.
- Arrest or summons issued by law enforcement.
- First appearance at Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401).
- Bond set by magistrate — personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery phase — your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
In Augusta County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to jail time depending on the classification.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm maintains a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Advocacy Without Borders.
Secondary attorney: Kristen M. Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, joined the firm in 2010, barred in MD and VA. Matthew Greene, 30+ years experience, death penalty certified (formerly), 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 total documented case results across all practice areas in Augusta County (100% favorable outcome rate).
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.
Searching 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
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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 a $1,000 fine. 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?
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. 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?
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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer page. Also serving nearby areas: Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Rockingham County Criminal Defense Lawyer. Related services: DUI Lawyer Augusta County and Divorce Lawyer Augusta County.