Richmond Criminal Lawyer

When you are faced with potential jail time and a criminal conviction, a Richmond criminal lawyer can be your best advocate. The legal system is designed to be fair. But it may not always seem that way. If you are accused of violating the law, it can often seem like you are being judged long before your day in court. From the moment you are contacted by law enforcement, it is obvious that you are on the "wrong" side of the law. A Richmond criminal lawyer is one person that will be there to advocate on your behalf, helping to ensure you are treated fairly throughout the criminal justice process.

Skilled Richmond Criminal Attorney

A skilled criminal attorney uses their experience to provide you with personalized and professional assistance--someone who knows the legal system and is willing to fight tirelessly for your rights. The Constitution provides many protections for people accused of crimes. Part of the job of your defense attorney is to help ensure these rights are protected. From protection against unlawful searches to being informed of your right to remain silent, there are many examples of cases being thrown out of court for sidestepping even one of these rights.

Experienced Richmond Criminal Lawyers

Experience is an invaluable trait. While no one is perfect, experience gives people the opportunity to learn while doing and can significantly increase someone's knowledge base when used in conjunction with education and qualities like determination and tenacity. Our attorneys understand what you are going through and will work hard to make this experience as comfortable for you as possible. They have represented countless clients and have likely handled cases very similar to yours. They have been active in the local courts and understand how things work in the Richmond legal community.

Discussing Your Case With a Criminal Lawyer in Richmond

The first step in knowing what to do in your case and what you can expect in court is discussing your situation with an assault lawyer in Richmond. Our attorneys spend their days working for clients like you, regular people who have been accused of a crime and who need help navigating the local legal system. When you contact such an attorney, it is important to be open and forthcoming about all of the facts of your case so that we can help you in the best manner possible.

Receive a Free Legal Consultation

If you are charged with a crime and in need of representation, call (804) 835-5891 today for a free initial consultation.

Fredericksburg Criminal Lawyer

If you're found guilty of a crime, you could experience repercussions ranging from community service and probation to a jail or prison term and a felony conviction on your permanent record. All of these factors may cause you to lose your job, and make it extremely difficult to find stable work in the future. As if these tangible penalties were not bad enough, you will also be faced with the social stigma that comes with the label of "criminal."

Fortunately, you can fight the charges, prove your innocence and maintain a clean record with the help of a qualified Fredericksburg criminal defense lawyer. An experienced Fredericksburg defense attorney will examine your case with the utmost care to create a solid defense in pursuit of the best possible outcome, all for an affordable rate. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney with our firm for more information about the services that they provide.

Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney in Fredericksburg

Misdemeanor crimes are considered less serious than felony crimes in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the same as they are in the rest of the nation. As such, misdemeanor charges carry more lenient penalties than felony charges. However, the penalties associated with a misdemeanor can still be extremely devastating to your professional and personal life. If you're convicted of a misdemeanor, you could serve up to a twelve month jail sentence and be forced to complete community service. You could also face an extended probationary period, along with heavy fines that vary according to the specific charges. Our experienced Fredericksburg criminal lawyers can help you fight misdemeanor charges, potentially having them dropped before your court date, and avoid all of these negative repercussions.

During your initial consultation, you may describe your case to a Fredericksburg defense attorney who will assess your specific circumstances in order to create a robust, winning defense custom tailored to your case. Common examples of crimes charged as misdemeanors in Fredericksburg, VA include the following:

Domestic violence or family abuse
Drug possession
Shoplifting
Simple assault
Driving with a suspended license
Driving under the influence
Solicitation of prostitution
Prostitution
Possession of Marijuana
Underage Possession of Alcohol

Note that many of these misdemeanors can be filed as felonies depending on the severity of the circumstances. However, an experienced, qualified Fredericksburg defense lawyer will fight to have you charges dropped to the lowest possible classification.

Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Fredericksburg

The felony classification is reserved for the most serious criminal charges doled out by the City of Fredericksburg judicial system. If you're convicted of a felony, you could face a long prison sentence along with astronomical fines, extended probation terms, sex offender registry for sex crimes and more. A licensed Fredericksburg criminal lawyer can help you to keep a clean criminal record and avoid all of these penalties, along with the felony conviction itself.

Examples of crimes typically charged as felonies in Fredericksburg include:

Homicide
Aggravated assault
Grand Larceny
Drug manufacturing, trafficking and distribution
Armed robbery
White collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement
Sex crimes
Gun charges

There are three different courthouses in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The General District Court is located at 615 Princess Anne Street, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court is located at 701 Princess Anne Street, and the Circuit Court is located at 815 Princess Ann Street. Parking is available around all of the courthouses, but be aware of the enforced two hour limit. As with all courthouses in Virginia, cell phones, video cameras, and personal electronic devices are not allowed and must be stored in a locker before entry. While there is no metro located near the courthouse, there is a bus that runs in the area and is accessible to all three courthouses. If you are looking for somewhere to eat, Caroline Street has several eateries including Goolrick's and Eileens. Below is the information for all of the courthouses.

Fredericksburg Circuit Court
815 Princess Anne Street
P.O. Box 359
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0359
Phone: (540) 372-1066

Judges

Hon. Gordon F. Willis, Presiding Judge, Chief Judge
Hon. J. Martin Bass
Hon. David H. Beck
Hon. Joseph J. Ellis
Hon. J. Overton Harris
Hon. Charles S. Sharp
Hon. Harry T. Taliaferro III

Clerk
Hon. Sharron S. Mitchell
Email: smitchell@courts.state.va.us
Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Contact Numbers
Phone: (540) 372-1066
Judge's Chambers: (540) 372-1171
Fax: Judge's Chambers: (540) 372-1174

Fredericksburg General District Court
P. O. Box 180
615 Princess Anne Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0180

Judges

Hon. John R. Stevens, Presiding Judge
Hon. Frank L. Benser, Chief Judge
Hon. Sarah L. Deneke
Hon. Michael E. Levy
Hon. Peter L. Trible
Hon. Gordon A. Wilkins

Clerk
Mr. Royal P. Schmidt Jr.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Numbers
Civil: (540) 372-1044
Crim/Traf: (540) 372-1043
SCVRule6 only: (540) 372-1044
Fax: Civil: (540) 370-1729
Fax: Crim/Traf: (540) 372-1228

Fredericksburg Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
701 Princess Anne Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5916

Judges