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 § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine; our firm has 4 documented results in New Kent County. 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, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases in New Kent County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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 – Official court website for case information.
New Kent County Court Process
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
Steps in a New Kent County Criminal Case
- Arrest & Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest at the jail. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear in New Kent County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, for jail-time offenses, you can demand a jury trial in New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. 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) | 1-5 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension possible | First offender program may apply |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in New Kent County
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 a documented record of 4 case results in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases. Our tagline is “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
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in New Kent County: 3 cases were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge was reduced or amended.
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 on Courthouse Circle. We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are 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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and petit larceny. Cases are heard at New Kent County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes, under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi (dropped charges). Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in New Kent County Circuit Court.
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. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman, is more likely 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. Charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Our firm has 4 documented results in New Kent County. Contact us 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 (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense with potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases and family law matters. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or our Richmond location.
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.