Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
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 General Assembly statute.
- New Kent County General District Court website – court information and procedures.
New Kent County Court Process for Criminal Cases
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arraignment: You appear in New Kent County General District Court to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in General District Court; felony preliminary hearings determine if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you have the right to appeal to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new trial.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties: a Class 1 misdemeanor results in up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine; a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, employment barriers |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) | Court discretion | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence.
Our Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. In New Kent County, we have achieved 4 documented results with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating our commitment to Virginia law.
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, 1 charge reduced or amended. These outcomes reflect our approach to building strong defenses in New Kent County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We provide criminal defense representation near 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.
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 – state 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 March 2026. Laws change – contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.