Assault Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An assault charge in New Kent County is a serious Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carrying 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 assault lawyer New Kent County team provides 24/7 phone consultations to protect your rights and future.
Virginia Assault and Battery Law
Assault and battery in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-57 as an unwanted touching or act creating a reasonable fear of bodily harm. The statute covers simple assault, assault and battery, and aggravated assault. In New Kent County, these charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the New Kent County General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case, including those involving assault and battery defense.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the assault statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-57 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the New Kent County Courts website.
New Kent County Court Process for Assault Charges
In New Kent County, assault cases begin with an arrest or summons. The Key Local Procedural Fact is that the New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor assault trials, while felony assault cases start with a preliminary hearing there before moving to Circuit Court for jury trial. Prosecutors often seek jail time for assault convictions.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea agreement.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court. You have an absolute right to appeal for a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing occurs. An appeal to Circuit Court results in a completely new trial.
Penalties for Assault in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a simple assault conviction carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while aggravated assault can be a felony with years of imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record, possible protective order |
| Assault & Battery of a Family Member (§ 18.2-57.2) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Mandatory anger management, no contact order, impacts custody |
| Malicious Wounding (§ 18.2-51) | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Felony record, loss of firearm rights, severe immigration consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have achieved over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous defense.
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
Our firm has documented results in New Kent County. In one instance, we secured a dismissal (nolle prosequi) for a client facing a destruction of property charge. In another, we achieved a reduction from a reckless driving charge to improper driving. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex assault cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Assault Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We are your local assault lawyer near New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Assault Defense FAQs for New Kent County
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). Cases are heard at New Kent County General District Court.
Can an assault charge be dismissed in New Kent County?
Yes. An assault charge dismissed lawyer New Kent County can seek dismissal through pre-trial motions, lack of evidence, self-defense claims, or participation in a first-offender program. Dismissals are possible, especially if the alleged victim is uncooperative or the facts don’t support the charge.
Do I need a lawyer for a simple assault charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor assault charge carries up to 12 months in jail and creates a permanent criminal record. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. Having an assault lawyer New Kent County is critical to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-57, assault is an act that creates a reasonable fear of harmful or offensive contact. Battery is the actual unwanted touching. The terms are often used together, but they are distinct offenses with the same penalty structure.
How does bail work for an assault arrest in New Kent?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanor assaults. Secured bond (requiring a bail bondsman) is more likely if there are prior convictions or allegations of injury. Bond can be appealed to the New Kent County General District Court.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges in New Kent County, you may also need information on Virginia criminal defense. For representation in nearby areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County and a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in New Kent, consider a DUI lawyer in New Kent County or a divorce lawyer in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.