DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
A DUI charge in New Kent County requires immediate action to protect your driving privileges and avoid mandatory jail time, especially for high BAC levels.
Virginia DUI Law and New Kent County Procedures
Virginia law defines DUI/DWI as operating a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof (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 former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to defending these charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s DUI statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-266 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court-specific information, forms, and procedures, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
New Kent County DUI Court Process and Defense Strategy
New Kent County General District Court hears first and second DUI offenses. A third DUI within 10 years becomes a Class 6 felony heard in New Kent County Circuit Court. Virginia’s implied consent law means refusing a breath or blood test after arrest triggers a separate administrative license suspension.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest to advise you on your arraignment and protect your license.
- Attend your arraignment at the New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle) to enter a plea.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain police reports, dash/body cam footage, and breath test maintenance logs.
- Evaluate defense options, such as motions to suppress evidence or negotiating a reduction to reckless driving.
- Prepare for trial or a plea agreement based on the strength of the evidence and potential penalties.
- Address post-conviction requirements like VASAP enrollment and restricted license applications if necessary.
DUI Penalties in New Kent County, Virginia
In New Kent County, a DUI conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, fines, and license revocation, with mandatory minimum sentences increasing for high BAC levels and repeat offenses.
| 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, IID required for restricted license |
| First DUI (BAC 0.20+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 10 days | $250 – $2,500 | 12-month revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for restricted license |
| Second DUI (within 5 years) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Mandatory 20 days to 12 months | $500 – $2,500 | 3-year revocation | Mandatory VASAP, IID required for 6 months minimum |
| Third DUI (within 10 years) | Class 6 Felony | Mandatory 90 days to 5 years | $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. The penalties listed are based on Va. Code § 18.2-270 and other statutes; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Our Experience in New Kent County DUI Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. For DUI defense in New Kent County, we use the unique insight of former Virginia State Trooper Bryan Block, who has 15 years of law enforcement experience investigating traffic and 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 Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 total documented case results across all practice areas in New Kent County, reflecting our commitment to this community. Our defense strategies are designed to seek dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses like reckless driving, or acquittals at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
DUI Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle), accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249. We provide DUI defense for residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings at our Richmond location are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 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 is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 18.2-266 — 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 under Va. Code § 18.2-270 — 1-5 years, mandatory 90 days jail, indefinite license 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. Cases at New Kent County General District Court.
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.
What is the timeline for a DUI case in New Kent County?
Arraignment: within 48 hours of arrest or summons to appear; GDC trial: 30-90 days from arraignment; VASAP enrollment required within 15 days of conviction; appeal to Circuit Court: within 10 days of GDC conviction.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia DUI/DWI Lawyer Hub |
Henrico County DUI Lawyer |
New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Attorney Bryan Block Profile |
Our Richmond Office
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your DUI case in New Kent County.