Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as simple assault under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. 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
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) – official Virginia General Assembly statute.
- New Kent County General District Court website – Virginia court system .gov domain.
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. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arrest or summons: A magistrate sets bond at the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Pre-trial: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trial in GDC; felony preliminary hearing in GDC, then jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You can appeal a GDC conviction to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new trial.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time: a Class 1 misdemeanor brings up to 12 months jail; a Class 5 felony brings 1-10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case facts and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our tagline: “Global advocacy. Local precision.” In New Kent County, we have 4 documented results with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
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
New Kent County Case Results
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. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent, 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) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). 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 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?
Yes. 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 record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results locally. 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 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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – parent hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – nearby locality.
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer – related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block profile – primary attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change—contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.