In New Kent County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties 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 (100% favorable outcome rate). Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultations by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Virginia criminal law is codified under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses). In New Kent County, offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 6 felony carries 1-5 years in prison. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes all criminal cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled criminal defense cases for over 25 years.
For the official Virginia criminal code, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — official Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
- Arrest and Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (10% to bondsman) is typical for felonies.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before the New Kent County General District Court within 72 hours. Charges are formally read, and a court-appointed attorney may be requested.
- Preliminary Hearing (Felonies): Within 21-60 days, the court determines if probable cause exists. If found, the case moves to Circuit Court.
- Arraignment and Discovery: You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). The prosecution must share evidence within 14 days.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials occur in GDC within 4-8 weeks. Felony trials in Circuit Court take 3-9 months. Plea negotiations may reduce charges.
- Sentencing and Appeals: If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately or within 30 days. Appeals from GDC go to Circuit Court for a new trial (trial de novo).
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to prison time. The table below outlines common classifications and consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential protective order |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution required |
| Grand Larceny (§ 18.2-95) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record; insurance rate increase |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 has handled 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
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
In New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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, Route 60. Serving New Kent, Providence Forge, Quinton.
Criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
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: 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?
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. 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. 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?
Yes. 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.
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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI Lawyer New Kent County | Family Law Lawyer New Kent County