Staunton’s position at the junction of I-81 and I-64 places it at one of Virginia’s most heavily patrolled traffic corridors. Virginia State Police and Augusta County Sheriff’s deputies maintain a visible presence on both interstates, and criminal charges — particularly DUI and drug offenses — arise regularly from interstate enforcement stops. Strickland, Diviney & Segura defends clients facing criminal charges in Staunton, Augusta County, and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley with decades of Virginia criminal defense experience.
Interstate Enforcement and Its Legal Consequences
I-81 and I-64 through the Staunton area generate a significant volume of DUI and drug charge arrests by Virginia State Police. Interstate stops create specific constitutional issues — including whether the initial stop was supported by reasonable, articulable suspicion and whether any subsequent search was lawful. Our attorneys rigorously examine traffic stop circumstances and challenge evidence obtained from unlawful searches. A successful suppression motion can result in dismissal of all charges.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas in Staunton
We defend Staunton and Augusta County clients facing DUI and traffic offenses, drug possession and distribution, assault and domestic violence, theft and burglary, firearm charges, sex offenses, and federal criminal matters arising in the Shenandoah Valley. We also pursue expungement for eligible clients after their matters are resolved.
Local Court Knowledge
Our attorneys have appeared in courts throughout Southwest and Central Virginia, including the Staunton Circuit Court and Augusta County Circuit Court in Verona. Understanding the specific expectations and practices of local judges is an advantage that out-of-area attorneys who simply “travel in” for trial cannot replicate. We build relationships in every court where we practice.
Serving Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, and the Valley
We represent criminal defense clients in Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, Churchville, and throughout Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley corridor.
Contact Our Staunton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Call (540) 982-7787 for a free, confidential consultation. Our Roanoke office is 65 miles south on I-81. We can appear in Staunton courts and are available for urgent consultations evenings and weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Staunton, Virginia?
Staunton is an independent city. Criminal cases are heard in the Staunton General District Court and Staunton Circuit Court at 113 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401. Augusta County cases are handled at the Augusta County General District Court and Circuit Court in Verona.
What criminal charges are most common in the Staunton area?
DUI charges on I-81 and I-64 are the most frequent criminal matter our attorneys see from the Staunton market. Drug charges related to I-81 corridor enforcement are also common. Domestic violence, assault and battery, and firearms offenses round out the typical criminal docket in Augusta County courts.
Can Strickland, Diviney & Segura represent me in both Staunton City and Augusta County courts?
Yes. Our attorneys are licensed to practice throughout Virginia and appear in both the Staunton City courts and the Augusta County Circuit Court in Verona. Clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley corridor receive the same standard of representation as our Roanoke-area clients.
Does I-81 DUI enforcement near Staunton create unique legal issues?
Yes. Interstate DUI stops by Virginia State Police follow specific protocols that differ from municipal stops. The use of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) for drug-impaired driving cases is more common on interstate corridors. Our attorneys are versed in the specific challenges of defending I-81 corridor DUI cases.
What should I do if I am charged with a crime while traveling through Staunton?
Do not plead guilty just because you are from out of the area. A Virginia criminal conviction will follow you home and appear on your permanent record. Contact Strickland, Diviney & Segura immediately. We can appear on your behalf in Staunton courts, in many cases without requiring your presence at every hearing.
