Obstruction of Justice Lawyer New Kent County, VA
An obstruction of justice charge in New Kent County carries serious consequences under Virginia law. Depending on the conduct alleged, the charge may be prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 5 felony in the New Kent County General District Court or Circuit Court. A conviction can result in jail time, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients facing obstruction of justice allegations before the New Kent County courts, bringing experienced defense representation to each matter. If you or someone you care about has been charged, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Obstructing Justice Means Under Virginia Law
Virginia Code § 18.2‑460 defines obstruction of justice as knowingly interfering with a judge, magistrate, juror, attorney for the Commonwealth, witness, law enforcement officer, or other court officer in the performance of their duties. The offense is divided into two levels. A simple obstruction—such as refusing to comply with a lawful order or physically impeding an officer—is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. When the obstruction involves threats of bodily harm, force, or the impersonation of a law enforcement officer, the charge becomes a Class 5 felony, carrying a possible sentence of one to ten years in prison—or, at the discretion of the jury, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
In New Kent County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these offenses. Misdemeanor obstruction cases are heard in the New Kent County General District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. Felony obstruction charges begin with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court before being certified to the New Kent County Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge that carries possible jail time. Because a conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, firearm rights, and immigration status, it is critical to have defense counsel who understands how these cases are handled locally.
Defending Obstruction of Justice Charges in New Kent County
When our firm represents a client on an obstruction charge in New Kent County, we start by examining the interaction between the accused and the law enforcement officer or court official. Many obstruction charges arise from tense, fast-moving encounters where a person’s words or actions may have been misinterpreted. We scrutinize the evidence—body‑camera footage, witness statements, and police reports—to determine whether the officer’s commands were lawful, whether the defendant’s conduct was truly obstructive, and whether First Amendment protections apply to the alleged speech.
Because Virginia does not permit court‑initiated plea bargaining, the only route to a negotiated resolution is through discussions with the prosecutor. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in engaging with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for New Kent County to explore charge amendments, deferred dispositions under the first‑offender statute (Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2), and other alternatives that may avoid a conviction. If a trial is necessary, we present a thorough defense, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to protect our client’s rights at every stage. The firm has documented case results in New Kent County obstruction and criminal matters. Results may vary. in your case.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997 and practices across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands the strategies the government uses to build obstruction cases and draws on that insight to construct a well-prepared defense. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in New Kent County. Together with Mr. Sris, they represent clients at the New Kent County General District Court and Circuit Court, handling everything from initial arraignment to trial. The team’s familiarity with local court procedures and prosecutorial practices allows them to provide focused representation for individuals facing obstruction of justice charges in New Kent and the surrounding communities of Providence Forge and Quinton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for obstruction of justice in New Kent County?
A simple obstruction of justice charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, while obstruction involving threats or force is a Class 5 felony carrying one to ten years in prison. Misdemeanor cases are heard at the New Kent County General District Court, and felony cases proceed to the New Kent County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing. Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction leaves a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. The firm evaluates the specific allegations under Va. Code § 18.2‑460 to pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against obstruction of justice charges?
A defense attorney challenges the prosecution’s evidence by examining whether the defendant’s actions actually hindered an officer’s lawful duties and whether the statements made are protected under the First Amendment. Common strategies include demonstrating that the officer’s command was unclear or unlawful, that the defendant’s conduct was passive rather than obstructive, and that any physical contact was incidental. In New Kent County, counsel may also negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge or seek a deferred disposition that can lead to dismissal. Every case is fact‑specific, and an experienced attorney builds the defense around the unique circumstances of the arrest.
What should I do if I am facing an obstruction charge in New Kent County?
If you have been charged with obstruction of justice in New Kent County, exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone other than your attorney, and avoid posting about the incident on social media. Preserve any relevant evidence, including text messages, photos, and contact information for witnesses. Prompt legal involvement allows your attorney to evaluate the charges, gather evidence, and begin negotiating with the prosecutor before the first court appearance at the New Kent County General District Court.
Can an obstruction of justice charge be expunged in New Kent County?
An obstruction of justice charge that ends in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal may be eligible for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, but a conviction generally cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in the New Kent County Circuit Court. The expungement process removes the charge from publicly accessible court and police records, which can be important for employment background checks. For individuals who successfully complete a first‑offender program or obtain a dismissal, the firm can assist with preparing and presenting the expungement petition to the court. Virginia’s recent record‑sealing framework may also apply to certain dispositions.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction of justice charge in New Kent County?
Yes; even a misdemeanor obstruction conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. Self‑representation is risky because a person unfamiliar with Virginia criminal procedure may miss defenses, fail to preserve evidentiary objections, or enter a plea without understanding the full consequences. In New Kent County, the prosecutor’s office handles these cases actively, and having counsel who knows the local court, the applicable statutes, and the available diversion programs significantly strengthens your position. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Other practice areas and locations we serve:
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Falls Church criminal defense ·
Prince William County criminal lawyer ·
Manassas criminal attorney
Official Resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
New Kent County General District Court
Virginia Expungement Law (Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.