Facing criminal charges can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. Even minor cases can result in years behind bars, significant fines, and a badly damaged reputation. With the stakes this high, you do not want to face the court alone or leave your fate in the hands of a public defender.
We believe everyone deserves expert legal counsel and a fair shot at pleading their innocence.
Defense Attorneys Help You Fight Criminal Charges
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution grants you the right to legal representation. While a court will grant you an attorney if you cannot hire one, many public defenders are overworked and lack the resources to mount a powerful defense. You need a strong attorney who will vigorously challenge the prosecution’s case.
Safeguard your rights and handle your felony or misdemeanor case quickly and aggressively, you will want to retain an attorney with experience fighting against a variety of extremely serious charges, including:
- Assault and battery. Assault is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but aggravating factors such as the use of a weapon or the targeting someone due to their race or religion can trigger felony charges. If you’ve been wrongly accused, a criminal defense lawyer can present the facts and attempt to convince the court of you’re innocence
- Weapons charges. Defends your rights against allegations of improper authorization, possession in a prohibited location, illegal sales, and other gun crimes where the use of a weapon is an aggravating factor.
- Sexual offenses. Whether you’ve been charged with rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent exposure, or another sex crime, you need a diligent advocate during prosecution.
- DUI. A charge for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be a shock, particularly to people who lack familiarity with the criminal justice system. DUI penalties are among the harshest you can receive. For clients accused of DUI, our seasoned attorneys conduct a detailed review of the stop, arrest and testing procedures. From there, we battle for a reduced charge or a sentence that allows for limited use of your vehicle.
These are just a few examples of the cases that criminal defense attorneys can litigate.
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Criminal Offenses Recognized in Richmond, VA
If you’re facing criminal charges in Richmond, VA, you’re likely dealing with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Typically, sentences and fines for felony charges are more significant than those associated with misdemeanors. That being said, a misdemeanor can still destroy your reputation and career, so it’s wise to seek legal counsel.
A criminal defense lawyer will be able to help you understand the severity of your charges and the punishments you may face. They’ll also help you build a strong case for your innocence and fight for your freedom in court. You can be confident that our lawyers will take every action possible to protect you from the following offenses:
Misdemeanor Offenses
There are several degrees of severity for both felony and misdemeanor charges in the state of Virginia. According to Code of Virginia § 18.2-11, the highest misdemeanor charge can land you in prison for up to 12 months and cost you up to $2,500 in fines.
Your attorney will do everything in their power to absolve you of these charges. However, if there’s a good deal of evidence against you, your lawyer might try to simply have your sentence reduced. In case they’ll try to have it lowered to a class three or four misdemeanor, which can only be punished by fines not exceeding $500.
Felony Offenses
Code of Virginia § 18.2-10 defines six different classes of felonies. The worst of which could put you away for 20 years, and in some cases, the rest of your life. Felony charges are not to be taken lightly, which is why facing them without a skilled attorney is highly inadvisable.
A lawyer can help defend you against these serious criminal charges. They’ll work tirelessly to build a case for your innocence, and get your charges either dropped or reduced.
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for Your Case
Criminal defense attorneys in Richmond are prepared to handle the entirety of your case. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can start collecting evidence to support your innocence.
However, collecting evidence isn’t the only thing your lawyer will do. They’ll take a number of actions to ensure your aren’t charged, including:
- Analyzing evidence
- Help you avoid incriminating yourself
- Work with prosecutors to get your case dismissed
- Attempt to strike a plea deal
- Fight for your in a court trial
- Negotiate a lower sentence if charges aren’t lowered or dropped
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Prison Isn’t the Answer for Drug Crimes
Though many people now believe that substance abuse treatment and other forms of support are the best ways to handle many drug-related offenses, severe penalties still exist under state and federal laws.
In cases involving alleged possession, distribution, and manufacture of illicit controlled substances, we challenge misleading evidence and police tactics that don’t conform to legal standards.
Whether your case involves opiates, marijuana, cocaine or some other drug, a slight difference in the amount seized can alter the result significantly, so it’s best to get immediate help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
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A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Handle Traffic Violations
Even something as seemingly small as a traffic violation can have a big impact on your life. If you’re found guilty of a traffic offense, you’ll be subjected to a fine, possible license suspension and likely higher auto insurance costs.
Serious violations such as reckless driving can even result in jail time, a criminal record, and loss of driving privileges. Before you decide to give up and pay for a speeding ticket or some other type of citation, you should understand the consequences.
There are many types of errors are frequently made by inattentive or overzealous police officers and you want an attorney who will press for a fair result. A criminal defense attorney will also educate you on the downsides of having too many points accumulate on your driving record.
How Long Criminal Cases Last in Richmond, VA
The majority of criminal cases in Richmond take a few months to resolve. However, there are several factors that might cause yours to last longer. Busy courtrooms, complex cases, and charges that require a significant amount of evidence can delay your verdict.
Your lawyer will keep you in the loop with regards to your case, and give you an estimate of how long it might take. Knowing the steps involved in a criminal trial can also help you determine how much longer you’ll have to wait. The stages of such a case are as follows:
- Arrest
- Booking
- Bond hearing
- Arraignment
- Bench case for misdemeanors
- Preliminary hearing for felonies
- Jury trial, if you were indicted in your hearing
- Sentencing
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Richmond with an Extraordinary Track Record
When you’re facing charges that could potentially put you behind bars and ruin your reputation, you need a firm with a history of delivering favorable verdicts. We want to connect you with an experienced legal team to protect your freedom.
Call a Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond for a Free Consultation
We want to assist you finding an attorney with a proven track record of advocating on the behalf of people who have been accused of felony or misdemeanor misconduct. They’ll draw on their exceptional legal knowledge and skill to negotiate a fair result or reduced sentence for you.
Please call us or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
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