Fairfax Criminal Lawyer

Have you been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Fairfax, Virginia? Are you wondering how you'll be able to successfully fight the charges, keep a clean criminal record and avoid devastating repercussions such as fines, probation and jail time? Are you seeking the best possible protection against the charges, which may be frivolous or even completely unfounded? If so, a licensed, experienced Fairfax criminal defense lawyer can provide the exact type of assistance you need.

Felony Criminal Defense in Fairfax

The most serious crimes handled by the Fairfax criminal justice system are considered felonies as opposed to misdemeanors. Due to the severity of their nature, felony charges come with extremely stiff penalties in the case of a conviction, such as a long prison sentence (including the possibility of life in prison), massive fines that may be nearly impossible to repay, years of probation, house arrest and community service, not to mention the negative stigma and loss of rights that comes with being a convicted felon. Even after you've paid your dues to the justice system, obtaining solid employment and living a normal life can be hugely challenging. However, an experienced attorney can help you to avoid all of these penalties, potentially even settling your case before it goes to court.

The following crimes are almost always charged as felonies in Fairfax:

• Sex crimes
• Homicide
• Aggravated assault
• Robbery
• Gun crimes (such as illegal possession of a concealed weapon)
• Fraud and other white-collar crimes
• Drug distribution, trafficking and manufacture

Misdemeanor Criminal Defense in Fairfax

Crimes deemed less severe than felonies are considered misdemeanors in Fairfax, Virginia, just as they are in the rest of the country. Due to this classification, misdemeanor charges come with more lenient penalties than felonies, though the penalties can still be extremely interruptive to your normal life. Some of the punishments associated with misdemeanor convictions in Fairfax include up to a one-year jail sentence, large fines, hundreds of hours of community service, probation and more. So if you are in need of a drug lawyer or an assault lawyer, one of the attorneys with our firm will provide you with the best defense - one that's custom-tailored to the specifics of your misdemeanor case, and handled with the same level of care as a felony case.

Examples of crimes typically charged as misdemeanors in Fairfax include:

• Simple assault
• Simple drug possession
• Solicitation of prostitution
• Shoplifting or simple theft
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Driving under a suspended license
• Domestic violence

Depending on the severity and specific circumstances of the case, some crimes that would normally be charged as misdemeanors can be filed as felonies instead. This is another instance where the help of an attorney will prove invaluable. Your attorney will work hard on your case to have your charges dropped to the lowest possible classification, and do everything in his or her power to achieve the best possible outcome for your case on your court date.

We have years of experience litigating in Northern Virginia, and their experience in Fairfax specifically will have them prepared to handle the defense against the charges you face. When you hire a member of our talented legal team, you know that you are getting someone who has up to the minute knowledge of the local laws, but also experience defending clients against similar charges. They will know what roadblocks lie in your path as you work towards a positive result in your case, and they can advise you about the best ways to move forward.

If you are facing a charge in Fairfax, you can't afford to take you defense lightly. Even a minor conviction can carry with it very serious penalties. The legal and personal ramifications of which can have a lasting impact on your life. Don't hesitate, contact us today to set up a free consultation where one of our attorneys will be able to review the facts of your case and work with you on a solid defense strategy.

Falls Church Criminal Lawyer

When you're faced with charges, no matter how severe, it can make everything else in your life seem unimportant and trivial, at least until the charges are settled. How will you deal with the repercussions? Will you lose your job? Will you be able to find another job if convicted? Will it be possible to fight the charges and avoid any negative penalties in the first place?

Everyone asks these questions when faced with a criminal charge. Fortunately, our attorneys can help you find the answers. When you bring your case to an experienced Falls Church defense attorney, you will receive the utmost in care and attention, and you'll be provided with a customized defense specifically tailored to the unique, complex details of your criminal case.

Felony Criminal Defense in Falls Church

In Falls Church, Virginia, as with in the rest of the United States, the most serious crimes handled by the judicial system are charged as felonies. In light of their serious nature, felony convictions come with the most severe penalties doled out in criminal justice, such as extended prison terms, enormous fines reaching in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and countless hours of probation, community service and/or house arrest. In many cases, these tangible penalties can't compare to the horrible social stigma attached to felony convicts long after they've paid their formal dues to society.

By examining the specifics of your case and working with prosecutors, law enforcement officers and other entities within the criminal justice system, a licensed Falls Church criminal attorney can have your charges either dropped completely or lowered to a lessor classification, such as a misdemeanor. Even if lowering the charges proves impossible, and experienced Falls Church criminal lawyer will help you receive the most favorable outcome when your court date arrives.

Misdemeanor Criminal Defense in Falls Church

Crimes that are considered less serious than felonies are labeled as misdemeanors. Despite the relative lack of severity, misdemeanor convictions still carry serious penalties including up to twelve months of jail time, fines, community service, probation, driving restrictions, house arrest - all things that can seriously interfere with your normal routine, and could potentially put you out of work now or in the future.

The Fairfax County Courthouse is located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax, Virginia.

While there are some free parking lots located around the courthouse, those spaces are extremely limited. The courthouse has a parking garage, which charges $2 an hr or $10 for more than five hours. The parking facility accepts cash and debit/credit, but be sure to bring at least $10 in cash as the machine has been known to fail and ATMs are not in the area. If you are taking public transportation, ride the metro to the Vienna stop on the orange line and transfer to a bus heading towards the courthouse.

Cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse. It is advisable to leave all electronic devices in the car or at home. However, they will let you put your phone in a locker which you can access on your way out. The security lines at this courthouse can be pretty long, so please plan on arriving early so you are not late for any court appointments.

There is a cafe and a cafeteria at this courthouse where you can grab food and beverages. However, within walking distance from the courthouse you can find Hard Times Cafe, Red Hot & Blue, Panera, and Potbelly's.

Fairfax County General District Court
Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Fairfax County Circuit Court
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 246-2153

Judges
Hon. Penney S. Azcarate
Hon. Michael J. Cassidy
Hon. Stewart P. Davis
Hon. Thomas E. Gallahue
Hon. Lisa A. Mayne
Hon. Donald P. McDonough
Hon. William J. Minor, Jr.
Hon. Mitchell I. Mutnick
Hon. Ian M. O'Flaherty
Hon. Mark C. Simmons

Clerk
Nancy L. Lake
Email: gdcmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
Hours: 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. Monday through Friday

Phone Numbers
Traffic Division: 703-246-3764;
Fax: 703-352-7581
Criminal Division: 703-691-7320, Press 4, 3; or 703-246-3305
Fax: 703-273-0048
Civil Division: 703-691-7320, Press 4, 1; Small Claims: 4, 2; or 703-246-3012
Fax: 703-246-5493
Court Services Division: 703-691-7320, press 4, 4; or 703-246-7530
Clerk of Court: 703-246-2153
TTY for all offices, for hearing impaired only: 711

The Herndon Courthouse is located at 765 Lynn Street in Herndon, Virginia. Even though the courthouse is located in the building's basement, it is easy to spot due to its unmistakable green glass roof. Cell phones, video cameras, and all electronic equipment are not allowed in the courthouse, but you can store it with the deputy by the front door who will hold it until you're finished in court. Three parking garages, located on Lynn Street, Station Street, and Center Street, are within walking distance of the courthouse. There are also a number of eateries in downtown Herndon including: Dairy Queen, Mediterranean Breeze, and fine dining at Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano.

Herndon Courthouse
765 Lynn Street, Herndon, VA 20170

From the Dulles Toll Road

• take the HERNDON exit off the Dulles Toll Road onto ELDEN STREET going north towards town
• stay on Elden past the sharp curve
• turn LEFT at the stoplight onto STATION STREET
• you will see an old train caboose on your left. PARK there and walk to 765 LYNN STREET
• court is held in the basement of the glass domed building which says "Herndon General District Court"
• court convenes here on Wednesdays only at 9:30 a.m.

From Rt. 7

• turn at the stoplight onto Rt. 606, BARON CAMERON DRIVE. (Baron Cameron becomes ELDEN STREET in Herndon.)
• go approximately 6 miles into the center of town
• turn RIGHT onto STATION STREET for parking in the lot with the old train caboose
• walk to 765 LYNN STREET
• court is held in the basement of the glass domed building which says "Herndon General District Court"
• court convenes here on Wednesdays only at 9:30 a.m.

From Rt. 50 (West of Fair Oaks)

• turn north onto CENTREVILLE ROAD (Centreville Rd. becomes ELDEN STREET in Herndon.)
• stay on Elden Street past the sharp curve
• turn LEFT at the stoplight onto STATION STREET
• you will see an old train caboose on your left. PARK there and walk to 765 LYNN STREET
• court is held in the basement of the glass domed building which says "Herndon General District Court"
• court convenes here on Wednesdays only at 9:30 a.m.

From Fairfax County Parkway

• follow the Parkway until it ends in Herndon
• turn RIGHT at the stoplight onto SPRING STREET
• stay on Spring St. past the post office to stoplight at ELDEN STREET
• turn LEFT at the stoplight onto Elden Street
• turn RIGHT at the stoplight onto STATION STREET
• you will see an old train caboose on your left. PARK there and walk to 765 LYNN STREET
• court is held in the basement of the glass domed building which says "Herndon General District Court"
• court convenes here on Wednesdays only at 9:30 a.m.