New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Rights?
A criminal charge in New Kent County is a serious matter that can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record under Virginia law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full criminal defense for charges ranging from misdemeanors in General District Court to felonies in Circuit Court.
What Constitutes a Crime in Virginia?
Virginia law defines crimes as acts or omissions forbidden by law and punishable upon conviction. Crimes are classified as either misdemeanors (less serious) or felonies (more serious), with specific penalties outlined in the Virginia Code. The exact definition and elements of your charge are found in the relevant statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District & Circuit Courts | Virginia Code
Under Va. Code § 13.1-1000 et seq., state law governs this practice area.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia criminal laws, refer to the official Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code). For New Kent County court information, procedures, and forms, visit the Virginia Courts website for New Kent Circuit Court.
The New Kent County Court Process
Your first court date is an arraignment where you enter a plea. For misdemeanors, your case will be in New Kent County General District Court. Felony charges start there for a preliminary hearing before potentially moving to New Kent County Circuit Court for trial.
- Secure Representation Immediately: Contact a lawyer before speaking to investigators.
- Attend Your Arraignment: Plead not guilty to preserve all defense options.
- Review Discovery: Your attorney will obtain all police reports and evidence.
- Develop a Defense Strategy: This may involve filing motions to suppress evidence or negotiating a plea.
- Prepare for Trial or Resolution: Be ready to proceed to trial or accept a negotiated plea if it serves your interests.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Convictions
In New Kent County, criminal penalties vary widely based on the charge’s classification, from fines for Class 4 misdemeanors to life imprisonment for Class 1 felonies.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Class 6 Felony | Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, loss of civil rights |
| Class 5 Felony | Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, loss of civil rights |
| Class 1 Felony | Felony | Life imprisonment | Up to $100,000 | Felony record, loss of all civil rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the court’s discretion.
Our Foundation in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has handled firm-wide 4,739+ cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for clients in New Kent County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I speak to the police if I’m arrested in New Kent County?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely state you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
What is the difference between General District and Circuit Court in New Kent?
Misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies are in General District Court. Felony trials are in Circuit Court. Procedures, judges, and potential penalties differ between the two courts.
Can a criminal charge be dismissed before trial?
Yes. Charges may be dismissed if evidence is insufficient, your rights were violated during arrest, or through a successful pre-trial motion. An attorney can evaluate your case for dismissal opportunities.
What is a plea bargain?
A plea bargain is an agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced penalty. Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor to seek the best possible outcome.
How long does a criminal case take in New Kent County?
Timeline varies by court and case complexity. A simple misdemeanor may resolve in months, while a felony can take a year or more, depending on evidence, motions, and court scheduling.
Criminal Defense Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location is approximately 30 minutes from the New Kent County Courthouse, accessible via I-64. We serve as a criminal defense lawyer near New Kent County, Quinton, and Providence Forge. We are available for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are by appointment only.
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Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our Henrico County Criminal Lawyer and Charles City County Criminal Lawyer pages provide locality-specific insights. For related issues, consider New Kent County DUI Lawyer or New Kent County Traffic Lawyer.
Learn more about your attorney: Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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