Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation in New Kent County, Virginia. A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; our firm has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under Va. Code § 18.2-57, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 5 felony carries a potential sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison. The New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. Information about court procedures and locations is available from the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Court Process for Criminal Cases
Your case will begin at the New Kent County General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. For misdemeanors, your trial will be held there. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to the New Kent County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- After arrest, a magistrate will set a bond amount. Many first-offense misdemeanors qualify for release on personal recognizance.
- Your first court date is the arraignment, where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a trial date. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any charge carrying potential jail time.
- Before trial, your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s guidelines. For dismissals or acquittals, you may 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 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 | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended (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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Our Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have achieved 4 documented results in New Kent County criminal cases, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those matters. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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 resulted in dismissal or a not guilty verdict, and 1 case resulted in a reduced or amended charge.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
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 representation to residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. 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 in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license.
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. 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 our firm 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 (GDC) 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 attorney Bryan Block and our Richmond location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.