Staunton, VA – Roughly 600 traffic violations were dismissed in Augusta County General District Court after a procedural error by the Sheriff’s Office was discovered, according to a public statement released Thursday by Sheriff Donald L. Smith.
The dismissals occurred on October 27, 2025, after it was determined that the issuing deputy had not properly displayed a badge of authority at the time the summonses were written. Sheriff Smith appeared in court personally to address the matter and requested the dismissals.
According to Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim Martin, his office was notified before the dismissals took place. The Sheriff’s Office administration identified the issue internally and reported it to the court.
“This was a mistake that the Sheriff’s Office made,” Smith said in the release. “We take full responsibility and are taking the necessary actions to ensure this does not occur again.”
The Sheriff’s Office is now coordinating with the General District Court Clerk’s Office to determine whether additional cases could be impacted by the same error.
Officials emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability while working to maintain public trust following the widespread dismissal.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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