Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County criminal charges are serious matters prosecuted at the New Kent County General District Court under Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries 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 Richmond location serves clients throughout the county.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties defined in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. The New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings for charges originating in the county.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the official text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. The New Kent County General District Court website provides local procedural information and contact details.
New Kent County Criminal Court Process
Your case will begin at the New Kent County General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. This court handles arraignments, bond hearings, misdemeanor trials, and felony preliminary hearings. Felony cases bound over for trial proceed to New Kent County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond conditions; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files pre-trial motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to trial in GDC (misdemeanor) or preliminary hearing (felony), or is resolved through plea agreement.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; you have appeal rights to Circuit Court for a new 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, and felonies carrying potential prison terms of 1-10 years or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Vehicle impoundment |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 5 or 6) | 1-10 years (Class 5) 1-5 years (Class 6) |
Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense matters in New Kent County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating legislative-level legal experience.
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, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
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 New Kent County courts, 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 Services
For full Virginia criminal defense information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby jurisdictions including Henrico County and Chesterfield County. In New Kent County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Bryan Block’s background and experience.
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.