Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law Defined by Statute
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A crime is an act or omission forbidden by law and punishable upon conviction. Crimes are classified as felonies (punishable by death or imprisonment in a state correctional facility) or misdemeanors (punishable by confinement in jail or a fine). The Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Greene County Commonwealth’s Attorney, prosecutes these offenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute from the Virginia General Assembly.
- Greene County General District Court — Official .gov website for court information, forms, and procedures.
Greene County Criminal Court Process
Criminal cases in Greene County begin at the Greene County General District Court located at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials and appeals from the GDC are heard in Greene County Circuit Court.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the Greene County Magistrate’s Office. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at Greene County General District Court: Appear at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973 to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest before a judge.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Exchange evidence with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Greene County.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Appeal to Greene County Circuit Court: If convicted in GDC, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial by jury in Greene County Circuit Court.
Criminal Penalties in Greene County, Virginia
In Greene County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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 | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Disorderly Conduct (Va. Code § 18.2-415) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Criminal Defense Experience in Greene County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Greene County specifically, we have 1 documented criminal defense result with a 100% favorable outcome rate (1 case dismissed or found not guilty). Our tagline reflects our approach: “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
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’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, with a 100% favorable outcome rate (1 case dismissed or found not guilty). We handle cases at Greene County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Greene County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street), accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Greene County and the Shenandoah National Park area. We serve the communities of Stanardsville and Ruckersville. We offer 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 | (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 Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Parent hub page for criminal defense across Virginia.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in nearby Fairfax County.
- Greene County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in Greene County.
- Kristen M. Fisher Attorney Profile — Learn more about your attorney’s background.
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.