Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Greene County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more under § 18.2-95, carries 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For Greene County court information, visit the Greene County General District Court website.
Greene County Court Process
Greene County General District Court, located at 85 Stanard Street in Stanardsville, handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Greene County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from the General District Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Appear at Greene County General District Court to enter a plea.
- Pre-trial discovery and motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and may file motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felony preliminary hearings are in GDC, with jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Penalties for Common Greene County Charges
In Greene County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| 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 (< $1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny (≥ $1,000) (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) (§ 18.2-250) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible first offender program |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to criminal defense in Greene County.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’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 Greene County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Greene County, Virginia: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Greene County Defense
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street), accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. As a criminal defense lawyer near Greene County, we represent clients in Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Greene County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Greene 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 Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Greene 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 Greene County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Greene County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Greene County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Greene County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Greene County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in Greene County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate).
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Greene County?
Greene County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Greene 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 | Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Greene County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.