Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Criminal charges in New Kent County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and can create a permanent record. A strong defense is critical.
Virginia Criminal Law and New Kent County Procedures
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault or petit larceny, is the most serious misdemeanor level. Felonies range from Class 6 (1-5 years) to Class 5 (1-10 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this legal knowledge to build case-specific defense strategies for clients in New Kent County.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For court-specific information, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County 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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at New Kent County General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court will set a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and file motions to suppress or dismiss if applicable.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You have the right to appeal a GDC conviction to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges 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 6 felony carries 1-5 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 higher) | 1-20 years* | Court discretion | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, increased insurance |
*Sentences vary based on criminal history and case details. 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 many first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is more common for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony, based on income eligibility.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach. In New Kent County, we have documented case results showing our commitment to local courts.
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
Documented 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, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving New Kent County and Surrounding Communities
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. As a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County, we also serve the communities of 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 | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.