Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less serious but still carry jail time. Felonies are more serious offenses with potential prison sentences. The New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases in the locality.
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 combines over 120 years of legal experience to handle criminal defense matters.
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia criminal statutes from the General Assembly.
- New Kent County General District Court — Court website with location, hours, and contact information.
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 GDC decisions.
- Initial arrest and bond hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies.
- Arraignment in General District Court: Enter plea at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle). Misdemeanor trials scheduled 4-8 weeks later.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss. Felony cases proceed to preliminary hearing within 21-60 days.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Misdemeanor trial in GDC or felony jury trial in Circuit Court. First offender programs available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Sentencing or expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. If acquitted or dismissed, file expungement petition in Circuit Court under § 19.2-392.2.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time based on Virginia’s classification system.
| 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for repeat offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Criminal Defense Experience in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings combined attorney experience of over 120 years to criminal defense. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline reflects our approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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. This represents 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). The office is accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We provide criminal defense lawyer services near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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: 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 Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — State hub page for criminal defense.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving neighboring Henrico County.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Serving neighboring Chesterfield County.
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area in same locality.
- New Kent County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area in same locality.
- Bryan Block Attorney Profile — Learn more about your attorney.
- Richmond Office Location — Our Richmond location serving New Kent County.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.