Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Criminal offenses in Virginia are defined by statute, primarily in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases, which are heard at the New Kent County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, or the New Kent County Circuit Court for felony trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense representation with a background in accounting and information systems that offers an advantage in complex financial cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Court Process
The criminal process in New Kent County begins with an arrest or summons. Misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings occur at the New Kent County General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Felony jury trials and appeals are handled by the New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle).
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Review evidence, file motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea agreement: Proceed to bench trial in GDC for misdemeanors, or accept a negotiated plea agreement that may reduce charges.
- Appeal or expungement: Appeal a conviction to New Kent County Circuit Court for a jury trial, or file for expungement if eligible under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Criminal Penalties in New Kent County
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, and felonies carrying potential prison sentences of 1-10 years or more.
| 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 typically | 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 | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to criminal defense cases. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic advantage in complex financial cases.
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 in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in New Kent County: 3 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 1 case reduced or amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results were achieved at the New Kent County General District Court and Circuit Court.
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), accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We provide criminal defense representation to residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (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), 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 Services
For more information about criminal defense throughout Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need assistance with related matters in New Kent County, consider our DUI/DWI defense or family law services. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.