Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Greene County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors include assault, petit larceny, and disorderly conduct. Felonies include grand larceny and malicious wounding. Greene County General District Court at 85 Stanard Street handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Greene County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Review the Virginia criminal code: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court information, visit the Greene County General District Court website.
Greene County Court Process
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Greene County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-time offense.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment in Greene County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court will set a trial date for misdemeanors.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or accept a plea agreement. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports Circuit Court trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in Greene County
In Greene County, criminal charges carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 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+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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: 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.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street). We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Greene County and near Shenandoah National Park access.
We serve the Stanardsville and Ruckersville communities and surrounding areas.
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. 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, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Greene County, we handle related matters including DUI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.