Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in Greene County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious but still carry jail time. A Class 1 misdemeanor, like simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 2 misdemeanor, such as disorderly conduct, carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felonies are more severe. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more (Va. Code § 18.2-95), is punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years, 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
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute.
- Greene County General District Court Website — Official court information.
The Greene County Court Process
Your case will begin at the Greene County General District Court located at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Greene County prosecutes the case.
- Initial Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. For first-offense misdemeanors, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. For felonies, secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman) is typical.
- Arraignment at Greene County General District Court: You appear at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville. You enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all rights and request discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Review Discovery and File Motions: Your attorney analyzes police reports and evidence. They file suppression motions if constitutional violations exist. They negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal or reduction.
- Trial or Plea Resolution: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines probable cause before transfer to Greene County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Greene County Charges
In Greene County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail, 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, possible protective order |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record, restitution |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 2nd offense within 10 years |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in Greene County?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our Greene County criminal defense team includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges. We focus on a case-specific approach for each client in Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
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
Documented 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). This locality-specific result reflects our direct experience with the Greene County General District Court and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Greene County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street), accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Stanardsville and Ruckersville, serving the Greene County area 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 — Parent hub page.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving a neighboring locality.
- Greene County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in Greene County.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.