Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors are heard in General District Court, while felonies begin there for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. uses this detailed knowledge of Virginia law to defend clients. The firm’s background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in cases involving financial evidence.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) on the official Virginia General Assembly website. For New Kent County court information, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
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 from GDC.
- Initial appearance and bond hearing: Appear before a magistrate after arrest for bond determination. You can request a bond review in New Kent County General District Court.
- Arraignment and plea entry: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest at your arraignment date.
- Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney will request evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney and file motions to suppress or dismiss if applicable.
- Trial or plea negotiation: Proceed to a bench trial in General District Court or negotiate a plea agreement that may reduce charges or penalties.
- Sentencing or appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows. You have an automatic right to appeal a GDC conviction to New Kent County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, while a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (Va. Code § 18.2-95) | Felony (Class 6 or 5) | 1-10 years | Court discretion | None | Felony record |
| Driving on Suspended (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum fine for DUI-related suspension |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and court discretion.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is more common for felonies.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. This includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how cases are built from the other side.
Global advocacy. Local precision. The firm’s Richmond location serves the New Kent County area, providing access to attorneys familiar with the local court personnel and procedures at 12001 Courthouse Circle.
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
Documented 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, and 1 charge reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving New Kent County, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County or near Colonial Downs Racetrack? We represent clients in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 more information on criminal defense across Virginia, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page.
We also serve nearby areas: Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer.
In New Kent County, we handle related matters: DUI/DWI defense and reckless driving defense.
Learn more about attorney Bryan Block or visit our Richmond office location page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.