Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In New Kent County, Virginia, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys provide a strong defense at the New Kent County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia criminal law is defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes charges ranging from misdemeanors like assault and battery to felonies like grand larceny. Cases are heard at the New Kent County General District Court for initial proceedings, with felony trials moving to Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the official text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the Virginia General Assembly website. The New Kent County General District Court website provides local rules, forms, and contact information.
New Kent County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case begins with an arraignment at New Kent County General District Court. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, are formally advised of the charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential plea agreement or diversion program.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for felonies, a preliminary hearing followed by a Circuit Court jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines and statutory penalties.
- Appeal/Expungement: You may appeal a conviction or, for qualifying outcomes, petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, mandatory fine |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in New Kent County. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies.
Our Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. In New Kent County, we have a documented 100% favorable outcome rate for our local cases. Our team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into police procedures and evidence challenges.
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
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in New Kent County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our local caseload.
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 the New Kent County courts, accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license. Cases are 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 a deferred disposition program.
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. Secured bond (a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the New Kent County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at New Kent County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail and create a permanent criminal record. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.