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. The firm has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard at New Kent County General District Court, while felonies proceed to New Kent County Circuit Court for jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all cases in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information, forms, and procedures for New Kent County are available at 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 the General District Court.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a judge at New Kent County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: If incarcerated, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files pre-trial motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any jail-eligible offense.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines and statutory limits.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days. Expungement may be available for acquittals or dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in New Kent County
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 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, theft conviction record |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | 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, insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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 dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. Our criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County provides representation for residents 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 — 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.
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Henrico County criminal defense and Chesterfield County criminal defense. In New Kent County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.