Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense representation in New Kent County.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – official Virginia General Assembly statute
- New Kent County General District Court website – court information and procedures
New Kent County Criminal Court Process
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals from the General District Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in New Kent County General District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felonies move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court or petition for expungement if eligible under § 19.2-392.2.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law: Class 1 misdemeanor up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; Class 5 felony 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Virginia Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our New Kent County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand local court procedures.
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
New Kent County Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in New Kent County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We represent clients throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Contact us for criminal defense lawyer services near New Kent County.
24/7 phone consultations—(888) 437-7747—meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New Kent County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in New Kent 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 New Kent County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent 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 New Kent County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in New Kent County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in New Kent County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to New Kent County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Criminal charges in New Kent County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in New Kent County?
New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent 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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – state hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – nearby locality
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer – related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – primary attorney
- Richmond Office Location – serving New Kent County
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.