Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. In New Kent County, charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the New Kent County General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while felony jury trials proceed to New Kent County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Official Virginia statute database
- New Kent County General District Court website — Court information and procedures
New Kent County Criminal Court Process
The New Kent County General District Court follows standard Virginia criminal procedure with local variations. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 4-8 weeks from arraignment.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. 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. Request a court-appointed attorney if eligible.
- Pre-Trial Discovery and Motions: Review evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to bench trial in GDC or negotiate a plea agreement. Consider first offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. Appeal to New Kent County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
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 $2,500 fines.
| 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 | 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 |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment possible |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximum statutory penalties; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Criminal Defense Experience in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience with 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC.
Our Richmond location serves New Kent County clients with direct access to the New Kent County General District Court. We provide full representation for criminal matters from initial arrest through trial and appeal.
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 our New Kent County criminal defense practice.
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 is approximately 30 minutes from the New Kent County General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle, accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We serve as a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
We serve the New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton communities in New Kent County and surrounding areas.
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
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
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- New Kent County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile — Primary attorney
- Richmond Office Location — Serving New Kent County
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.