Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry serious penalties, including up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. Our former prosecutor and former Virginia State Trooper provide a strategic defense at the New Kent County General District Court.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in Va. Code Title 18.2. A Class 1 misdemeanor, such as assault and battery under § 18.2-57, carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 5 felony carries 1-10 years in prison. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand knowledge of how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
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
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all appeals. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 can lead to dismissal.
- Arraignment: You appear at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle) to hear formal charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial: Your attorney negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, seeking dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea terms.
- Trial or Disposition: For misdemeanors, a bench trial occurs in GDC. For felonies, a preliminary hearing determines if evidence supports a Circuit Court trial.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia guidelines. You may appeal a GDC conviction to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new trial.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time, with Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
| 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, permanent record |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, civil demand letter |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | DMV points, insurance increase |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6) | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in New Kent County?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how the Commonwealth builds cases from both sides. We focus on strategic defense, not just procedure.
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 – a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving New Kent County, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We are a criminal defense lawyer near 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.
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.
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.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers.
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.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer – state hub page.
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer – nearby locality.
- New Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer – related practice area.
- Attorney Bryan Block Profile – attorney background.
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.