Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
If you face criminal charges in New Kent County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Criminal Law Definition
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. This statute defines offenses ranging from Class 1 misdemeanors (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 5 felonies (1-10 years imprisonment). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases at the New Kent County General District Court for misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, with felony trials moving to New Kent County Circuit Court.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code Title 18.2). For court information, procedures, and forms, refer to the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Court Process
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases at 12001 Courthouse Circle. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 are available—successful completion results in dismissal.
- Initial Appearance and Bond Hearing: Appear before a magistrate at the New Kent County jail or courthouse. The magistrate sets bond conditions.
- Arraignment at General District Court: Attend arraignment at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Enter a plea and receive your trial date.
- Discovery and Motion Filing: Your attorney requests evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and files pre-trial motions.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Proceed to trial before a judge for misdemeanors. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if the case goes to Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately for misdemeanors. You have 10 days to appeal to New Kent County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in New Kent County
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment: a Class 1 misdemeanor means up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years.
| 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 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| 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 |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
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+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation with a case-specific approach. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
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 represent residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations—(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 Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in New Kent County, see our DUI/DWI lawyer page and family law lawyer page. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block.
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.