Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In New Kent County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-11 carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper attorneys understand the local court procedures at the New Kent County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia criminal law is defined by Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in New Kent County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (Va. Code § 46.2-301). These cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the New Kent County General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the official text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. For court-specific information, visit 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 for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials move to the New Kent County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation: The Commonwealth’s Attorney may offer a plea agreement to resolve the case without a trial.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in GDC or, if you demand it, a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal/Expungement: You can appeal a conviction or, for qualifying outcomes, petition for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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 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 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 jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Grand Larceny) | 1-20 years | Discretionary | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are the maximum prescribed by law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results. In New Kent County, we have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. 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 for New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented 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 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 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.
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 battery and petit larceny under $1,000. Cases are 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 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. A secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman) 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 jail time and create a permanent record. Having an attorney protects your rights and can significantly impact the outcome.
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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with a related matter in New Kent County, consider our DUI/DWI defense or family law services. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.