In New Kent County, murder charges under Va. Code § 18.2-32 carry life imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. A Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County provides case-specific defense strategies.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-32 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Va. Code § 18.2-32 classifies first-degree murder as a Class 2 felony carrying 20 years to life in prison. Second-degree murder under § 18.2-32 is a Class 3 felony with 5 to 40 years. A Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County understands these statutory distinctions and builds defense strategies around the specific elements of the charge.
Review the official statute: Va. Code § 18.2-32 (Murder) and the New Kent County General District Court website for local procedures.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the magistrate at the New Kent County jail for bond determination. The magistrate sets conditions based on the severity of the charge.
- Preliminary Hearing: Within 21-60 days, the General District Court holds a hearing to determine probable cause. Your Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County can challenge the evidence at this stage.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The Commonwealth presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, the case moves to New Kent County Circuit Court for felony proceedings.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea in Circuit Court. The court sets a trial date, typically within 3-9 months under Virginia’s speedy trial rules.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, challenge witness testimony, or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to jury trial in Circuit Court, or your attorney negotiates a plea agreement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
In New Kent County, murder charges carry life imprisonment. First-degree murder is a Class 2 felony with 20 years to life. Second-degree murder is a Class 3 felony with 5 to 40 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Second-Degree Murder | Class 3 Felony | 5 to 40 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds murder cases.
In New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with 93%+ favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). Accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. Serving New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Looking for a Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County near the New Kent County Courthouse? We are available 24/7.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. By appointment only.
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree murder in New Kent County?
First-degree murder requires premeditation and carries 20 years to life. Second-degree murder is intentional killing without premeditation, carrying 5 to 40 years. Both are Class 2 and Class 3 felonies respectively under Va. Code § 18.2-32.
Can murder charges be reduced in New Kent County?
Yes. A Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County may negotiate a reduction to voluntary manslaughter (Class 6 felony, 1-5 years) or involuntary manslaughter (Class 4 felony, 2-10 years) depending on the circumstances and evidence.
How long does a murder case take in New Kent County?
It depends. Virginia’s speedy trial rules require trial within 9 months if incarcerated. Typical murder cases take 6-18 months from arrest to resolution, including preliminary hearing, grand jury indictment, and Circuit Court proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer for a murder charge in New Kent County?
Yes. Murder charges carry life imprisonment. A Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County can challenge evidence, negotiate plea agreements, and represent you at trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively.
What defenses are available for murder charges in New Kent County?
Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity, alibi, and insufficient evidence. A Murder Defense Lawyer New Kent County evaluates the specific facts to determine the strongest defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.