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 with up to 20 years in prison depending on the value of the misappropriated funds. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia
Understanding Embezzlement Under Virginia Law
Embezzlement is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-111 as the wrongful appropriation of property entrusted to you by another person. Unlike larceny, where property is taken without consent, embezzlement involves a breach of trust — you legally possessed the property but converted it for your own use. In Augusta County, embezzlement charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Augusta County General District Court (for misdemeanor amounts under $1,000) or Augusta County Circuit Court (for felony amounts of $1,000 or more). A conviction can result in incarceration, substantial fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
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Insider Perspective on Embezzlement Cases in Augusta County
In Augusta County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for embezzlement cases involving public funds or employer trust accounts. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often relies heavily on financial records and witness testimony to establish intent.
Early intervention by an experienced embezzlement lawyer can prevent charges from escalating to a felony indictment.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all financial documents, emails, and records.
- Contact an embezzlement lawyer immediately to assess your options.
- Your attorney will review the evidence for procedural errors or lack of intent.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for reduced charges or diversion.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached.
In Augusta County, embezzlement under Va. Code § 18.2-111 carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000 to a felony with up to 20 years in prison for amounts of $1,000 or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embezzlement (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution required |
| Embezzlement ($1,000 or more) | Felony | 1 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution; loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Embezzlement Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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%. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand how the Commonwealth builds its case. We have extensive experience defending against embezzlement and other white collar crime charges in Augusta County, including at Augusta County General District Court and Augusta County Circuit Court.
Our firm, Advocacy Without Borders, is committed to providing aggressive, strategic representation for clients facing serious criminal allegations.
Your Embezzlement Defense Team
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
Case Results in Augusta County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented results in Augusta County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include traffic and reckless driving matters, demonstrating our ability to negotiate favorable resolutions in Augusta County General District Court.
Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable-outcome rate.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 50 miles from Augusta County General District Court, with access via I-81 and Route 11.
Searching for an embezzlement lawyer near Augusta County? We serve clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
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
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement Charges 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).
Yes. 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, but only 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.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. 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.
Yes. Criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences that affect employment, housing, and professional licenses.
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 handles misdemeanor trials; Circuit Court handles felony jury 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, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors 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. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Content updated: 2026-04-28