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. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor level, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. 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).
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
New Kent County Court Process for Criminal Cases
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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases.
- Arraignment: You appear in New Kent County General District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): For felony charges, a hearing determines if probable cause exists to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or procedures.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court. Felony jury trials occur in New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines.
- Appeal: You have the right to appeal a General District Court decision to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Virginia Criminal Penalties in New Kent County
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, depending on the classification of the offense under Virginia law.
| 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) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) or 1-5 years (Class 6) | 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 under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. With 4,739+ firm-wide case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, the firm brings substantial resources to every New Kent County case. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout the New Kent County area.
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
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.
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in New Kent County, Virginia: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results are specific to New Kent County cases handled by the firm.
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 (12001 Courthouse Circle). Our criminal defense lawyers are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We represent clients throughout 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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Serving a neighboring locality.
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about your assigned attorney.
- Richmond Office Location – Details about our serving location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.