Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia — What Are Your Rights?
In New Kent County, criminal cases begin at the General District Court located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes all charges, from misdemeanors to felonies.
Virginia Criminal Law in New Kent County
Virginia’s criminal code defines offenses and penalties in Title 18.2. In New Kent County, the General District Court handles initial proceedings for all criminal matters. The court follows Virginia’s speedy trial rules: 5 months for misdemeanors from arrest, 9 months for felonies if incarcerated. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to criminal defense in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the official Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) published by the Virginia General Assembly. New Kent County court information, including forms and procedures, is available at the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County Criminal Court Process
Criminal cases in New Kent County follow a specific local procedure. The General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from GDC decisions.
- Arrest and Bond: A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Arraignment: You appear at New Kent County GDC, hear charges, and enter a plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Pre-trial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC; felonies move to Circuit Court after preliminary hearing.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, sentencing follows; appeals go to New Kent County Circuit Court.
New Kent County Criminal Penalties
In New Kent County, criminal offenses carry specific penalties under Virginia law, including jail time, fines, and long-term consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Driving on Suspended | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum 10 days jail for 3rd offense |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of rights |
| Drug Possession (first offense) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible first offender program |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Bond amounts are set by a magistrate after arrest. For many first-offense misdemeanors in New Kent County, personal recognizance (no payment) is common. Secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is more common for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for misdemeanors to $445+ for felonies, based on income eligibility.
Experience in New Kent County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings substantial experience to criminal defense in New Kent County. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of criminal cases. We focus on thorough case preparation and strategic defense case-specific to New Kent County courts.
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
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, 1 charge reduced or amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters. These results involved various charges heard at New Kent County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts, accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We provide criminal defense representation throughout New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for phone consultations — meetings by appointment only at our Richmond office.
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 (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 Resources
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. If you’re facing charges in nearby jurisdictions, consider our Henrico County criminal defense lawyer or Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer pages. For related practice areas in New Kent County, see our New Kent County DUI/DWI lawyer or New Kent County family law lawyer services. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.