Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is the most serious misdemeanor level. A Class 5 felony, like grand larceny of property valued at $1,000 or more, carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For New Kent County court information, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Court Process
The criminal process in New Kent County begins at the General District Court for misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Felony trials are held in the Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes all cases.
- Initial Appearance and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at New Kent County GDC (12001 Courthouse Circle) to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney obtains evidence from the prosecutor and may file pre-trial motions.
- Trial or Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials are heard by a judge in GDC. Most cases resolve through plea negotiations.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you can appeal to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new jury trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in New Kent County
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to over a decade in prison, depending on the offense classification and specific circumstances.
| 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 typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; affects employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Grand Larceny (Felony) | 1-20 years* | Court discretion | None | Felony record; loss of voting rights |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
*Penalties listed are statutory maximums. Results may vary based on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and court discretion.
Why Choose Our Firm for New Kent County Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of attorney experience to every case. Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our New Kent County defense is led by attorneys with direct insight into local prosecution strategies and 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
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results specific to New Kent County: 3 cases resulted in dismissal or a not guilty verdict, and 1 case resulted in a charge reduction or amendment, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for this locality.
Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. As a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County, we serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — By appointment only
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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 (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
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. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
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 and heard at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 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. New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we also handle DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving cases. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.