Regardless of whether a case is a misdemeanor or felony, Virginia criminal defense lawyers can work to minimize the impact of these charges on their clients’ personal lives. They will review the details of the alleged offense and craft a strong legal strategy that suits their client’s unique situation.
A convicted person could face jail time, fines, loss of employment and compliance with the state’s sex offender registry.
Common Crimes of Opportunity
A Virginia criminal defense attorney will know how to use various legal strategies to help their clients avoid a conviction. This might involve using statutes of limitations to get the case dismissed, or arguing that the charge is not a crime at all.
A common crime of opportunity in the state of Virginia involves property offenses like petit larceny, grand larceny, and shoplifting. These are typically misdemeanor charges but they can lead to jail time. Other crimes of opportunity include drug possession and possession with intent to distribute. A Fairfax VA drug lawyer could argue that a search was not lawful or that a person was not actually in possession of drugs.
A Richmond based attorney might also be able to defend against white-collar crime such as embezzlement [Section 18.2-111] and forgery of checks or credit cards [Section 18.2-181]. These can be felony or misdemeanor charges depending on the amount stolen. A person might also be charged with a domestic violence offense involving assault, malicious wounding, or manslaughter.
Weapons
The law takes firearm violence and crimes involving weapons very seriously. Whether you made an honest mistake that can be easily corrected or you’re accused of a serious crime like using a gun in the commission of another felony, a Richmond weapon charges lawyer can help. Even a misdemeanor conviction can have long-term consequences that impact your life, including your job and security clearance.
Most weapons offenses involve guns but they can also cover any instrument that may cause great bodily harm or death, such as a switchblade, ballistic knife, blackjack or brass knuckles. Conviction of a felony could result in jail time, significant fines and a criminal record that can follow you throughout your lifetime.
Sex Offenses
The right Virginia criminal defense lawyer can make the difference in a case involving sexual offenses. Sexual crimes are extremely serious, and a conviction can destroy a person’s reputation and career. A skilled and zealous attorney can fight the charges, seek a dismissal or a reduction in charges and try to keep his client’s record clean.
Sex crimes include rape, forcible sodomy, taking indecent liberties with children and other sexual offenses against minors or adults. Some of these crimes require that the accused be registered as a sex offender, which can have severe social stigma and employment consequences.
Sexual assault cases involve physical touching, but they can also cover a range of other actions that do not require direct contact. Virginia law criminalizes a variety of acts, including those that do not involve penetration, such as taking advantage of someone’s helplessness due to drug or alcohol intoxication or mental disability. Likewise, attempt crimes like attempted rape and forcible sexual penetration can be prosecuted even though the accused did not actually commit the act that was intended.
Traffic Offenses
Regardless of how minor, traffic violations or infractions can have a significant impact on individuals’ lives. They may result in fines, a conviction on one’s record and increased insurance rates. In certain circumstances, such as if individuals are considered habitual violators or if they cause the death of another individual, traffic violations may even become felonies.
Whether the offense is a misdemeanor or felony, it is best to consult with a Virginia criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Battlefield Law Group PLLC can help mitigate these penalties and build a strong defense on your behalf. They are available to discuss your case with you at a free consultation. Call the firm now to schedule an appointment. You can also view your upcoming court dates online at this statewide directory. This tool shows a list of pending adult criminal and traffic cases in all counties across the state of Virginia. You will need to enter your name as it appears on the Summons in order to find your case.
