DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
New Kent County DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. A first offense with a BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers mandatory jail time. Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County General District Court on Courthouse Circle.
A DUI charge in New Kent County requires immediate legal action to protect your driving privileges and avoid severe penalties.
Virginia DUI Law in New Kent County
Virginia law defines driving under the influence (DUI) as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both (Va. Code § 18.2-266). The statute applies uniformly across the state, including New Kent County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this statutory knowledge to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI laws, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). The New Kent County General District Court website provides local procedural information, forms, and contact details.
New Kent County DUI Court Process
New Kent County General District Court hears first and second DUI charges. A third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony heard in New Kent County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath test after arrest results in a separate charge and mandatory license suspension.
- Arraignment: Appear at New Kent County General District Court within 48 hours of arrest or as directed on your summons.
- Secure Representation: Contact a DUI defense lawyer immediately to review the evidence, including police reports and breath test results.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to challenge the legality of the traffic stop or the administration of field sobriety tests.
- Trial or Negotiation: Present your defense at a bench trial in General District Court or negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction.
- Post-Trial Steps: If convicted, you must enroll in VASAP within 15 days and may apply to the DMV for a restricted license with an ignition interlock.
DUI Penalties in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a first-offense DUI carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, a minimum $250 fine, and a 12-month license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC < 0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 5 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days | $1,000 – $2,500 | Indefinite revocation | Mandatory VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (First Offense) | Civil Offense | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license eligibility |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We focus on providing full representation for DUI charges in New Kent County. Our approach is case-specific, built on a detailed review of police procedures and evidence.
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 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for those cases. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts on Courthouse Circle, accessible via I-64 and Route 33. As a DUI lawyer near New Kent County, we represent individuals in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
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 first DUI in New Kent County, Virginia?
First DUI in New Kent County: Class 1 misdemeanor — up to 12 months jail, $250 minimum fine, 12-month license revocation, mandatory VASAP. BAC 0.15-0.20: mandatory 5 days jail. BAC 0.20+: mandatory 10 days. Cases at New Kent County General District Court.
Is a DUI a felony in New Kent County, Virginia?
First/second DUI in New Kent County is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Third DUI within 10 years is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite revocation). Cases at New Kent County General District Court.
What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-268.3, refusal triggers: first offense — 12-month administrative suspension (no restricted license); second — 3-year suspension plus Class 1 misdemeanor. This runs also to DUI penalties.
Can a DUI be reduced in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. A DUI in New Kent County can potentially be reduced to reckless driving, which avoids mandatory license revocation and VASAP. Defense strategies include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test calibration.
How long does a DUI case take in New Kent County General District Court?
A DUI case typically takes 30 to 90 days from arraignment to trial in New Kent County General District Court. An appeal to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days of a conviction.
Related Legal Information
For more on Virginia DUI law, see our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in New Kent County and reckless driving charges. For DUI defense in nearby areas, consider our Henrico County DUI lawyer or Chesterfield County DUI lawyer. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.