Assault Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An assault charge in New Kent County is a serious Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carrying 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 assault lawyer New Kent County team provides 24/7 consultations.
Virginia Assault and Battery Law
Assault and battery in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-57 as an unwanted touching or the threat of such touching that creates a reasonable fear of imminent bodily harm. The statute covers simple assault, assault and battery, and assault against a family or household member (domestic assault). The classification and penalties escalate based on the victim’s status (e.g., law enforcement, teacher, judge) and the presence of a weapon.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. This background provides critical insight into how the Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County builds and prosecutes assault cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-57 (official Virginia General Assembly site). Court procedures and filing information for New Kent County can be found at the New Kent County Combined Courts website.
Local Court Process for Assault Charges
In New Kent County, all misdemeanor assault cases begin at the New Kent County General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The court handles arraignments, bond hearings, and trials. A key local procedural fact is that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases, and first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available, where successful completion can result in dismissal.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: Your first court date where charges are formally read, and bond conditions are set.
- Pre-Trial Conference: An opportunity for your attorney to negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Motion Filing: Filing legal motions to suppress evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the charges.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceeding to a bench trial in General District Court or, if you appeal, a jury trial in New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted in GDC, you have an absolute right to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Assault in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a simple assault or assault and battery charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Assault on LEO/Teacher/Judge | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Domestic Assault | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory anger management, no-contact order |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Assault Defense Team
Our authority in criminal defense is built on a foundation of experience and results. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor who personally amended Virginia law. Our team includes attorneys like Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, providing unique insight into the investigation side of assault cases. We have documented 4 case results specifically in New Kent County, achieving dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. This local track record demonstrates our understanding of the New Kent County court system.
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
Our firm has a documented history of favorable outcomes in New Kent County. We have achieved 4 results for clients in this jurisdiction: 3 cases resulted in dismissals or not-guilty verdicts, and 1 case saw charges reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these specific cases. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex assault matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice and a background in accounting that aids in complex cases.
Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer New Kent County — Contact
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the New Kent County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. If you need an assault and battery defense lawyer New Kent County near the Colonial Downs Racetrack or the historic courthouse, contact us.
We serve the communities of: New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Assault Defense FAQs for New Kent County
What is the penalty for assault in New Kent County, Virginia?
A simple assault or assault and battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Assault on a law enforcement officer is a Class 6 felony, carrying 1-5 years in prison.
Can an assault charge be dismissed in New Kent County?
Yes. An assault charge dismissed lawyer New Kent County can seek dismissal through pre-trial negotiations, lack of evidence, self-defense claims, or participation in a first-offender program. Dismissals are more likely with strong legal representation early in the process.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-57, assault is the threat of harmful or offensive contact that creates fear, while battery is the actual unwanted touching. They are often charged together as “assault and battery.” Both are Class 1 misdemeanors.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor carries a potential jail sentence and creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. A skilled assault lawyer New Kent County can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
What should I do if I am charged with assault?
Remain silent and do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact an assault lawyer New Kent County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as witness contact information, photos, or messages, and provide it to your legal counsel.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related services like DUI defense in New Kent County. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.