Facing criminal charges in New Kent County? A Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Title 18.2 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. Contact us 24/7.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carry up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 5 felonies carry 1-10 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes all criminal cases at the New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124).
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly
- New Kent County General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in New Kent County Court
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes cases here.
First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest or Summons: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: Your first court date at New Kent County GDC. Enter a plea. Request a public defender if eligible.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence — police reports, witness statements, body camera footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trial in GDC. Felony preliminary hearing in GDC, then Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or Expungement: If acquitted or dismissed, file for expungement under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time depending on classification.
| 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 | Criminal record, employment barriers |
| Petit Larceny (<$1,000) (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, housing barriers |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) (§ 18.2-95) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Criminal record, insurance rate increase |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your New Kent County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has handled 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. We use this experience to construct strong defense strategies for clients in New Kent County.
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 results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Our Richmond location is accessible from New Kent County via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
We serve clients in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County — available 24/7.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in New Kent County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at New Kent County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. 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. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to New Kent County General District Court. Public defender eligibility is based on income.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in New Kent County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. 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.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer — State hub page
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in New Kent County — Related practice area
- Divorce & Family Law Lawyer in New Kent County — Related practice area
- Bryan Block — Attorney Profile
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.