
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Greene County, Virginia
Greene County criminal charges are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2; a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Greene County: 1 case dismissed or found not guilty. Our former prosecutors provide a strong defense at Greene County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in Greene County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to 12 months in jail. Felonies are more serious offenses with potential prison sentences of one year or more. The specific elements of each crime—what the prosecution must prove—are detailed in the Virginia Code.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, see 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
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 (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies.
- Arraignment at Greene County General District Court: You enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. You can request a court-appointed attorney if you meet income eligibility.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. The prosecution must share their evidence with your defense.
- Trial or plea negotiation: You proceed to a bench trial before a judge in GDC, or your attorney negotiates a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. For misdemeanors, you have an absolute right to appeal to Greene County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Criminal Penalties in Greene County
In Greene County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification under Virginia law.
| 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 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent record |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (Schedule I/II) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Felony record, mandatory minimums for certain amounts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
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. We provide full representation in Greene County criminal matters.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010.
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.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Greene County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville). We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (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 including Fairfax County and Prince William County. In Greene County, we also handle DUI/DWI defense and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.