Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming and confusing. Criminal lawyers Virginia are available to help you understand your charges and your rights.
A felony conviction can ruin your life. It will negatively impact your ability to obtain a job, get into a school and even secure a loan. Go here.
Federal Criminal Defense
While most crimes committed in Virginia are considered state crimes and therefore handled in state court, there are some offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction. These are typically money laundering, RICO and drug trafficking offenses. Those accused of these offenses face stiffer penalties if convicted, including lengthy prison sentences.
A Virginia criminal defense lawyer experienced in handling federal cases can help. They can work to get charges dismissed or reduced and may be able to obtain a more lenient sentence if the case does go to trial.
A skilled Virginia federal criminal lawyer will be able to defend you against any charges brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and other courts throughout the country. These lawyers will know how to navigate the complexities of federal court and take on US prosecutors with confidence. This could significantly improve your chances of a positive outcome for your case. The process begins with an initial consultation.
Drunk Driving Charges
Virginia law defines drunk driving as operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are strict penalties associated with DUI charges. A skilled legal professional will defend you against these charges. They will work to have your charges dismissed or reduced if there are valid reasons.
A person can be accused of DUI based on their blood alcohol concentration, which is measured by breath, urine, or blood tests. Alternatively, police officers can accuse someone of DUI based on their observation that the suspect’s ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
It’s best to avoid consuming any alcohol before you drive or use a designated driver. If you’re ever stopped and arrested for DUI, get in touch with a criminal defense attorney immediately. The more time a lawyer has to build your case, the better your chances of having your charges dropped or reduced. A Virginia DUI conviction can lead to hefty fines and jail time.
Misdemeanor Charges
A criminal record is not just a mark on your reputation, it can interfere with your ability to find employment, obtain funding for college or buy a home. Misdemeanors may be punished less severely than felonies, but a conviction can still have lasting consequences for the rest of your life. A Virginia criminal defense lawyer is essential in any case where you are facing misdemeanor charges.
Your attorney will examine the evidence against you, including video, security footage, photos and social media content to look for errors or mistakes that could be used in your defense. He or she will also review witness testimony to determine whether you did commit the crime or not.
In many cases, a Virginia criminal defense attorney can convince the prosecution to reduce the charge to something less serious. For example, he or she can negotiate informal deferral procedures that can result in dismissal of the charge after a specified period of time.
Felony Charges
Felony charges can be very serious and carry harsh consequences, not just in terms of prison time but also on one’s personal and professional life after a conviction. Having a record of a felony conviction can make it difficult to find work or housing and can damage an individual’s reputation.
Virginia classifies felony offenses by number, ranging from Class 6 (the least severe: one to five years in prison) through Classes 1 (life imprisonment for first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding) and more. Criminal defense lawyers who are experienced in handling felony cases can balance the scales of justice on behalf of their clients and help them avoid severe penalties.
The best way to fight a felony charge is to get the case reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. An expert Quantico criminal lawyer can use a variety of methods to reduce felony charges. Moreover, they can make the case that the crime committed by their client does not constitute a felony offense.