If you or someone you know faces criminal charges, you should get Virginia criminal lawyers by your side as soon as possible. A conviction can have severe consequences and you need to protect your rights from prosecutors who are working to convict you.
A criminal conviction can negatively impact your reputation and career, as well as your family life and financial prospects. A Virginia criminal attorney will be by your side from the beginning of the law enforcement process to trial representation in district and supreme court. Visit website.
Misdemeanors
When you are arrested on a misdemeanor charge, it can quickly change your life. You may lose your job, not be able to rent an apartment or get credit. It is important to have a Virginia criminal lawyer on your side who can level the playing field and build an adequate defense.
Depending on the nature of your case, a misdemeanor conviction could result in jail time and a criminal record. Your attorney can help you avoid these consequences by arguing that there is reasonable doubt that you committed the crime.
Generally, misdemeanor cases are heard in General District Court. A prosecutor presents evidence and calls witnesses to testify, which the defense can cross-examine. Afterwards, the judge will render a verdict. In some cases, a misdemeanor can be dismissed through the process of accord and satisfaction. This allows you to clear the charges from your record if you make good on a promise of financial compensation or other consideration.
Felonies
Felonies are more serious crimes that carry the potential for prison time. The penalties for a felony conviction can be severe, and they may impact your life forever.
Although every case is unique, an experienced Virginia felony defense lawyer can balance the scales of justice for you. Their goal is to help you avoid jail time and minimize the consequences of a criminal conviction.
A conviction of a felony will affect your right to vote, your ability to possess firearms, and can make it difficult to travel to other countries or obtain work abroad. It can also affect your ability to be awarded custody of children and could keep you from obtaining security clearances for your job. It is important to consult with an experienced felony attorney as soon as possible.
DUI
Allegations of DUI (driving under the influence) are taken extremely seriously by the state of Virginia and can have a negative impact on a defendant’s personal life, career, finances and reputation. Even a first-offense DUI conviction can result in criminal charges, fines, jail time and loss of driving privileges, depending on the severity of the case.
Defending against any kind of criminal charge requires experienced legal representation from someone who understands the law, a commitment to protecting client rights and a drive to win. A Virginia DUI attorney could help defendants fight not only the DUI charge, but any accompanying reckless operation of a vehicle or moped charges as well. SS46.2-852 defines reckless operation as any driving that puts others in danger of harm to life or limb, including mopeds, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles.
Reckless Driving
Most people have been pulled over for a traffic violation at some point in their lives. Normally, these offenses result in a warning or a traffic ticket and a fine. Reckless driving in Virginia, however, is a criminal offense and a conviction could lead to serious fines, jail time, and the loss of your driver’s license.
If you have been charged with reckless driving, it is important to hire a Virginia reckless driving lawyer immediately. A lawyer can petition to appear on your behalf in court, saving you time and money on travel expenses. There are 14 different violations that constitute reckless driving in Virginia, including: passing when view obstructed SS 46.2-854, driving with a defective vehicle SS 46.2-853, and racing SS 46.2-862. A reckless driving conviction will also trigger a 6-month suspension of your driver’s license.
Hit-and-Run
In Virginia, and in most states, a hit-and-run occurs when you collide with another person or car (or other fixed object like a telephone pole), then leave the scene of the accident without stopping to identify yourself, or to offer assistance. You can also be charged with a hit and run under Virginia Code SS 46.2-894 or SS 46.2-896 if you damage attended property, like a car or a home.
Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony depends on whether someone was injured or killed, and the value of the damaged property. Passengers also have a duty to report accidents and must do so if they cause injury or damage attended property. You may be able to raise a defense such as mistaken identity, or you might argue that the crash occurred in a rural area where it was unsafe to stop.