Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Greene County criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties, including up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Greene County. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a case-specific approach for your defense at Greene County General District Court.
Criminal Charges Defined by Virginia Law
Virginia law categorizes crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on severity. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by 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 Va. Code § 18.2-95, carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this legal framework to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For Greene County court information, visit the Greene County General District Court website.
Greene County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Greene County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Greene County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court.
- Initial Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge at Greene County General District Court, are formally advised of charges, and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or you may negotiate a plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to Greene County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Greene County
In Greene County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries 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 (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 | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums established by Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Experience in Greene County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal cases in Greene County. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges.
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
Documented Case Results in Greene County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented criminal defense result in Greene County: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Greene County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts. As a criminal defense lawyer near Stanardsville and Ruckersville, we are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (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. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
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) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
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. Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you need assistance with a related matter in Greene County, consider our Greene County DUI lawyer or Greene County family law lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance specific to your Greene County case.