DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
A DUI charge in New Kent County requires immediate legal attention due to mandatory penalties that include jail time for high BAC levels and automatic license suspension for test refusal.
Virginia DUI/DWI Law in New Kent County
Virginia 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 under Va. Code § 18.2-266. The statute applies uniformly across Virginia, including New Kent County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides defense representation for these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information, including forms and procedures for New Kent County, is available at the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County DUI Court Process
New Kent County General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses at 12001 Courthouse Circle. 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 triggers a separate administrative license suspension.
- Arraignment within 48 hours: You must appear in court shortly after arrest to hear the formal charges.
- Consult with a DUI defense lawyer: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a case evaluation.
- Prepare for GDC trial: Your lawyer reviews evidence and challenges the stop, field tests, and breath test calibration.
- Address license suspension: If convicted, enroll in VASAP within 15 days and install an ignition interlock if required.
- Consider appeal options: You have 10 days to appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial.
DUI Penalties in New Kent County
In New Kent County, DUI carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension to mandatory jail time, with severity increasing for repeat offenses and high BAC levels.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First DUI (BAC <0.15%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP |
| First DUI (BAC 0.15-0.20%) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 5 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20%+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 10 days mandatory minimum | $250 minimum | 12-month revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock required |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 20 days mandatory minimum | $500 minimum | 3-year revocation | VASAP, ignition interlock |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | 90 days mandatory minimum | $1,000 minimum | Indefinite revocation | VASAP, vehicle forfeiture possible |
| Refusal (first offense) | Civil violation | N/A | N/A | 12-month administrative suspension | No restricted license available |
| Refusal (second offense+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | $250 minimum | 3-year suspension | Runs also to DUI penalties |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums and minimums; actual case outcomes depend on specific facts and defense strategies.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your New Kent County DUI Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to DUI defense. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. For New Kent County, we have 11 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who understand both sides of DUI cases.
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 for New Kent County DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County. Our defense strategies focus on challenging traffic stops, field sobriety test administration, breath test calibration, and procedural errors to seek dismissals, reductions to reckless driving, or minimized penalties.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local DUI Defense Serving New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at New Kent County courts, accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. As a DUI lawyer near New Kent County Courthouse and Colonial Downs, we represent residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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?
A DUI case in New Kent County typically involves arraignment within 48 hours, a General District Court trial within 30-90 days, and VASAP enrollment within 15 days of conviction if found guilty. Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within 10 days.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia DUI Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas: Henrico County DUI lawyer and Chesterfield County DUI lawyer. In New Kent County, we handle other matters: criminal defense and reckless driving. Learn more about Bryan Block’s background or our Richmond office.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.