Top Rated New Kent County VA Criminal Lawyers • 1500+ Reviews
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established local New Kent County VA law firm that specializes in criminal law. Our New Kent VA criminal lawyers represent and defend clients who have been charged with violating a criminal offense. We are recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report. The New Kent County law enforcement community is serious about enforcing the law. Many of the cases filed before New Kent Courts are criminal cases. You can benefit from our experience. Let us review your case. We represent clients before the New Kent Courts every week. Our firm has been positively reviewed more than any other law firm that defends criminal cases in New Kent County. We can help!
New Kent Defense Services
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- New Kent County DUI Lawyer
For broader statewide guidance, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
New Kent Criminal Defense Guide
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Experienced New Kent County VA Criminal Defense Attorney
Our New Kent County criminal lawyers develop creative solutions and provide highly personalized service for each client after specializing in criminal law for more than 60 collective years. We understand that being arrested, investigated, or facing the possibility of incarceration can be an embarrassing, stressful, and frightening experience. Our goal is to protect your freedom and your future. This is not a time to be lectured about poor decision-making. Now is the time to focus on presenting your best defense before the New Kent Courts. CAUTION: Criminal law is a specialized area of law and can be complicated. The case disposition may affect your future, your record, your employment, and your liberty. Do not trust a law firm that lacks the necessary criminal defense experience.
Most Rated Criminal Defense Attorney – New Kent County VA
New Kent Lawyers Dedicated to Defending Your Best Interests
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming. If you are being investigated by law enforcement or have already been arrested, the best decision you can make now is to engage an experienced New Kent County VA criminal defense attorney to protect you in your time of need. We represent and defend clients through all stages of the criminal court process. Our New Kent VA criminal defense attorneys defend clients accused of criminal offenses before the New Kent Courts every week. We believe that clients with criminal cases benefit when their lawyer focuses on criminal defense and regularly appears before the same New Kent County judges.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend New Kent VA Criminal Cases
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Free Consultation with Top Rated New Kent VA Criminal Lawyers
Our New Kent County criminal defense lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation for individuals who have found themselves in the unfortunate position of having to defend a criminal case. The biggest issues for most people are lack of experience and lack of legal knowledge. The average person does not understand how to best defend a New Kent County criminal case. Our experienced New Kent County VA criminal attorneys know the tactics and options available for pursuing the best possible result. We spend hours in the New Kent Courts every week and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and law enforcement officers who make the arrests. This specialized knowledge is valuable when deciding how to present the best defense.
New Kent VA Criminal Attorneys Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers rates attorneys from over 70 practice areas including criminal law who have attained a high degree of recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers recognizes top attorneys nationwide across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our New Kent VA criminal lawyers have been recognized as Virginia Super Lawyers since 2009 for defending New Kent criminal cases. No more than five percent of the lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. This recognition is merit based. Consult with attorneys in New Kent County who have been recognized as Virginia Super Lawyers.
Felony Concealed Handgun DISMISSED Motion To Suppress
In this case, our New Kent County VA criminal defense attorneys represented a client from Hampton who was driving through New Kent when lawfully stopped by the New Kent Sheriff’s Office. The Deputy Sheriff claimed to have detected marijuana in the vehicle. The Deputy Sheriff eventually conducted a search of the vehicle without a warrant and without consent. A concealed handgun was recovered during the search. We believed the Deputy Sheriff illegally searched our client’s vehicle. The Judge agreed. The evidence was suppressed and the case was dismissed. NOTE: Convincing the Court to dismiss this kind of case is extremely difficult. Click on Case Result Image for actual court record.
New Kent County Virginia Trial Courts Are Adversarial By Design
If you are charged with violating a New Kent Virginia criminal law, then your case will eventually be set before the New Kent Courts. Criminal cases are adversarial by design. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the New Kent Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the defense. The adversarial system is designed to ensure a fair trial process subject to the rules of law and evidence by allowing each side to present their case and challenge the other side’s arguments and evidence. Depending on the seriousness of the charges, the case may progress through many stages of the criminal justice system. The New Kent judge ultimately evaluates the evidence and arguments and makes a ruling.
The Arrest
Probable cause is required for an arrest. Probable cause means that there is a good reason to believe the suspect committed a crime. The “warrant requirement” generally means that a law enforcement officer must have an arrest warrant to make an arrest, although there are numerous exceptions.
If the New Kent County police are going to question a suspect after arrest while the suspect is in custody, then law enforcement must comply with Miranda requirements, including the right to remain silent and the right to counsel.
After the arrest, the suspect may be taken to jail for booking or processing. This can involve fingerprinting, photographs, identifying information, and a magistrate review for bail or pretrial release conditions.
Arraignment | Pre-Trial
The arraignment is the first appearance before the New Kent County Court where the judge informs the defendant of the right to an attorney. The judge may also review bail or other pretrial issues.
Bail | Pre-Trial Release
A person held in custody pending trial or hearing may be admitted to bail unless the court finds grounds to believe the person will not appear or that release would create an unreasonable danger.
Plea Bargain
Many criminal cases are resolved when the defense and prosecution agree to a specific outcome. The New Kent County judge will usually review a plea agreement, although the court is not required to accept every agreement.
Preliminary Hearing for Felony Cases
Felony cases initiated on an arrest warrant may proceed to a preliminary hearing in the New Kent County District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must present probable cause evidence to the judge. If probable cause is found, the case may be certified to the grand jury. At this hearing, an experienced New Kent VA criminal defense attorney may be able to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence.
Trial
Misdemeanor trials are held in the New Kent County District Court before a judge. Felony trials, and misdemeanor appeals from the District Court, are held in the New Kent County Circuit Court, where the defendant may have a right to trial by jury. At trial, the prosecution is required to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Verdict | Sentencing
In a jury trial, all jurors must agree that the evidence proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a bench trial, the judge decides whether the evidence is sufficient. If there is a conviction, sentencing may involve statutory penalties, sentencing guidelines, prior record issues, and the facts presented to the court.
“AV Preeminent” Rated New Kent County VA Criminal Attorneys
For over a century, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating lawyers for their legal ability and ethical standards through a Peer Review Rating system established by judges and attorneys. Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an AV Preeminent® rated New Kent County VA criminal law defense firm. This is the highest Martindale-Hubbell peer rating and is given to lawyers ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Retain a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated New Kent County VA criminal lawyer for your case.
Effective Criminal Defense Representation New Kent County VA
Criminal cases start with an investigation. The New Kent County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency investigating criminal activity throughout the county, including Providence Forge, Quinton, Lanexa, and Eltham. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the New Kent County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. We have the experience, integrity, and knowledge needed to protect your rights.
We believe that our experience with these offices and courts makes us better advocates for our clients. Do not trust your future with an attorney who juggles too many areas of law or lacks necessary criminal defense experience. We are the New Kent County trial attorneys you want on your side. NOTE: An arrest is not an automatic prison sentence.
Legal Elite New Kent VA Criminal Lawyer
Virginia Business is dedicated to covering legal activity in New Kent County VA. In association with the Bar Association, top rated Virginia attorneys from various practice areas have been recognized as Legal Elite since 2000. There are over 23,000 legal practitioners in the Commonwealth. Legal Elite recognitions are awarded to approximately 1400 lawyers each year. This is an exclusive list of top rated individuals who have been recognized by their peers for excellence. Only outstanding and experienced professionals are recognized by Virginia Business for being Legal Elite. A lawyer cannot purchase his or her way in to being recognized as a member of the Virginia Business Legal Elite community. Retain a New Kent VA Legal Elite criminal lawyer.
Felony Cocaine & Misdemeanor Marijuana allegations DISMISSED
Our defense attorneys in New Kent represented a client who was arrested for drug offenses after being pulled over by law enforcement for speeding. Our client was taken before the Magistrate at the Henrico County Regional Jail East in Barhamsville VA and was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and reckless driving. Our client was devastated and believed his dream career in the United States Army was certainly destroyed. However, our criminal law attorneys worked on the case to develop various defenses and arguments that protected the client. Eventually, the matters were resolved with all allegations being dismissed.
Top New Kent Criminal Lawyers Platinum Champion Award
Our New Kent criminal lawyers have been recognized with Martindale-Hubbell’s Platinum Client Champion Award. This honor recognizes superior criminal defense attorneys for excellence and helps potential clients understand the real-world experience previous clients have had with a criminal defense firm. Our New Kent VA criminal defense lawyers maintain the highest rating possible. This award is a testament to the dedication our New Kent VA criminal lawyers have to client service and a commitment to providing excellent legal representation.
New Kent County Criminal Defense FAQs
Where are New Kent County criminal cases heard?
Many misdemeanor criminal cases and preliminary hearings for felony charges are heard in New Kent County General District Court. Felony trials, grand jury proceedings, and appeals from General District Court may involve New Kent County Circuit Court.
What should I do after being arrested in New Kent County?
After an arrest, it is important to understand the charge, court date, bond conditions, possible penalties, and whether there are deadlines or evidence issues that need immediate attention. You should avoid discussing the facts of the case with law enforcement or others before speaking with a lawyer.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Virginia?
A misdemeanor is generally less serious than a felony, but a conviction can still create jail exposure, fines, probation, license consequences in some cases, and a permanent criminal record. Felonies carry more serious consequences and may involve preliminary hearings, grand jury proceedings, and Circuit Court litigation.
Can a New Kent criminal charge affect my record?
Yes. A criminal conviction can create a permanent record and may affect employment, licensing, housing, immigration, security clearance, education, driving privileges, and future background checks. The effect depends on the charge, disposition, and the person’s circumstances.
Can a New Kent criminal charge be dismissed or reduced?
Some criminal charges may be dismissed, reduced, deferred, or otherwise resolved favorably depending on the facts, evidence, legal issues, witness availability, prior record, and court posture. No outcome can be guaranteed, but careful review can identify the strongest available defenses and mitigation options.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in New Kent County?
A misdemeanor charge can still carry jail exposure, fines, probation, license consequences in some cases, and a permanent criminal record. Legal representation can help evaluate the evidence, protect rights, negotiate with the prosecution, and present the best available defense.
What happens at a felony preliminary hearing?
At a felony preliminary hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence for the judge to find probable cause that a felony was committed and that the accused committed it. The defense may be able to cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and evaluate the strength of the Commonwealth’s case.
Contact Our New Kent Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Case Review
If you are facing a criminal charge in New Kent County, it helps to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer review the case as early as possible. Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law represents clients charged with misdemeanors, felonies, firearm offenses, drug charges, theft offenses, assault allegations, probation violations, and other criminal matters in New Kent County and the surrounding area. Contact us for a confidential case review so we can help you better understand the charge, the likely risks, and the practical steps that may help protect your rights, record, and future.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of YOUR case!
1/28/2024 | Updated 6/6/2026