Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Criminal charges in New Kent County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors create a permanent record.
Virginia Criminal Law and New Kent County Procedure
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, 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 statutory knowledge to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Court Process and Insider Perspective
All criminal cases in New Kent County begin at the General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings are held there. Felony jury trials move to New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at New Kent County General District Court: Enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court schedules future hearings.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence. The Commonwealth’s Attorney provides discovery.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: For misdemeanors, a bench trial occurs in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if the case goes to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You can appeal a GDC conviction to 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, 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 possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| 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 |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is standard 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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach in New Kent County.
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 were dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge was 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.
Serving the New Kent County Area
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. As a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County Courthouse and Colonial Downs, we represent clients in 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: 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
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 services. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background as a former Virginia State Trooper.
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.