In New Kent County, a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-57 carries 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, including 3 dismissals. A strong defense starts with understanding local court procedures.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses by severity. Class 1 misdemeanors, such as assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57, carry a maximum of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
For official court information, visit the New Kent County General District Court website. The court is located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow for dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond determination.
- Arraignment in General District Court within 72 hours of arrest.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial in General District Court or preliminary hearing for felony cases.
- Appeal to Circuit Court for a trial de novo if convicted in GDC.
In New Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, depending on the classification of the offense.
| 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 |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | License suspension extended | Permanent criminal record |
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia family law. This achievement demonstrates the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia’s legal system and its ability to effect meaningful change in the law.
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
Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, also handles criminal defense cases in New Kent County. Her prosecution background provides valuable insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
In New Kent County, SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). The court is accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County, our team is available 24/7.
We serve 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 Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
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 carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. 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 are heard at New Kent County General District Court.
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.
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 approximately 10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to New Kent County General District Court.
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. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 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.
Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
New Kent County Family Law Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.