Embezzlement in Augusta County is a criminal offense under Va. Code § 18.2-111, carrying penalties that range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a felony depending on the value of the misappropriated funds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, embezzlement is defined as the fraudulent appropriation of property or funds entrusted to a person’s care. Va. Code § 18.2-111 states that if any person wrongfully and fraudulently uses, disposes of, or converts to their own use any money, property, or thing of value that has been delivered to them, they are guilty of embezzlement. The classification of the offense depends on the value of the property: if the value is $1,000 or more, it is grand larceny, a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison; if under $1,000, it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the embezzlement statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-111 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on the Augusta County General District Court, visit Augusta County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Augusta County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for embezzlement cases, especially when the misappropriation involves employer funds. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often relies heavily on financial records and witness testimony. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or your employer without your lawyer present.
- Preserve all financial records, including bank statements, receipts, and correspondence.
- Contact an Embezzlement Lawyer Augusta County immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings at Augusta County General District Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging intent or negotiating a plea.
- Consider first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 if eligible.
In Augusta County, embezzlement carries penalties that range from a Class 1 misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000 to a felony for amounts of $1,000 or more, with potential incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embezzlement (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Potential driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record; employment and housing impacts |
| Embezzlement ($1,000 or more) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Potential driver’s license suspension | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; professional license revocation |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has 13 documented case results in Augusta County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Mr. Sris personally handles complex criminal defense matters, including embezzlement and white collar crime cases, applying his background in accounting and information systems to financial-related charges.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented case results in Augusta County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. These results include reductions of reckless driving charges to improper driving and other favorable dispositions. Results may vary.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 60 miles from Augusta County General District Court, with access via I-81 and Route 11. If you are searching for an embezzlement lawyer near Augusta County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement in Augusta County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Augusta County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Augusta 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 Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Augusta County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Augusta 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 Augusta County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Yes, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Augusta County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Augusta County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Augusta County General District Court. Public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Bail is set by a magistrate; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Augusta County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Augusta County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical.
Yes, you need a criminal defense lawyer because charges carry jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Augusta County?
Augusta County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Augusta 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. Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401) is the GDC location.
GDC handles misdemeanors and preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against embezzlement charges?
Defense strategies for embezzlement in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-111 to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors under Va. Code § 18.2-111.
What should I do if I am facing embezzlement charges in Virginia?
If facing embezzlement charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Petit Larceny Lawyer Falls Church, Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, and Consumer Protection Lawyer Augusta County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-29.