Murder charges in New Kent County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-32 (first-degree murder) and § 18.2-33 (second-degree murder), carrying penalties from 20 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in New Kent County. A murder lawyer New Kent County can help you handle these serious charges.
Murder Lawyer New Kent County, Virginia
Understanding Murder Charges Under Virginia Law
Under Virginia law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. First-degree murder, under Va. Code § 18.2-32, includes premeditated killings and those committed during certain felonies (felony murder). Second-degree murder, under Va. Code § 18.2-33, covers all other unlawful killings with malice but without premeditation. A murder lawyer New Kent County must understand these distinctions to build an effective defense. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
For the full text of Virginia’s murder statutes, see Va. Code § 18.2-32 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For federal murder charges, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 1111 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site).
Local Procedural Insights for New Kent County
In New Kent County General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle preliminary hearings for felony murder charges before transferring cases to New Kent County Circuit Court for trial. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County often seeks indictments quickly, making early intervention by a murder lawyer New Kent County critical.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately.
- Contact a murder charge defense strategy lawyer New Kent County as soon as possible.
- Do not consent to any searches without a warrant.
- Preserve any evidence that may support your defense.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at New Kent County General District Court.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate plea options or trial strategies.
In New Kent County, murder charges carry severe penalties including life imprisonment for first-degree murder under Va. Code § 18.2-32.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder (Va. Code § 18.2-32) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Second-Degree Murder (Va. Code § 18.2-33) | Class 3 Felony | 5 to 40 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Felony Murder (Va. Code § 18.2-32) | Class 2 Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Murder Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. As a murder lawyer New Kent County, the firm has extensive criminal defense experience handling complex felony cases. Advocacy Without Borders means we provide dedicated representation to clients facing the most serious charges.
Your Legal Team
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County General District Court, with access via I-64 and Route 33.
If you need a homicide defense lawyer New Kent County, we are here to help.
Serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Murder Charges in New Kent County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. This is heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.).
Federal charges carry no parole and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against murder charges?
Defense strategies for murder in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-32 (first degree) / § 18.2-33 (second degree) to build the strongest possible defense. A murder charge defense strategy lawyer New Kent County will tailor the approach to local court practices.
What should I do if I am facing murder charges in Virginia?
If facing murder charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
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).
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.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page.
Explore related pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake.
Also see: Business Succession Lawyer New Kent County and Firearm by Felon Lawyer New Kent County.
Last updated: 2026-05-02. This page is regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy.