Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer

Few things in life are more stressful and potentially life-changing than being the target of any sort of criminal charge. Convictions bring with them a whole host of consequences, some of which may not even become apparent until many years after the fact.

In addition to periods of incarceration, costly fines, restitution payments and the like, being found guilty of a criminal offense is something which can result in job loss, social stigma, difficulty obtaining new employment, license revocations, and more. All of these effects can be compounded by the severe damage a criminal conviction can cause to familial, marital, and other relationships.

For all of these reasons, it is critical to secure the assistance of a Virginia Beach criminal lawyer who can fully explain the charges being brought against you, the possible penalties, and available defenses that may spare you the pain and ongoing difficulties likely to result from a conviction.

Criminal Offense Classifications in Virginia

As in most other jurisdictions, Virginia Code Section 18.2-9 outlines the way in which criminal offenses in Virginia are broken down into classifications based on the seriousness of the act. Crimes can be prosecuted at the state level as well as in federal courts, and it is important for accused individuals to gain a strong grasp of precisely what sorts of challenges their specific charges present.

Conviction on a misdemeanor charge will yield less serious consequences than would a felony conviction. Crimes within the former category bring a maximum jail term of 12 months, whereas those within the latter designation can bring substantially longer periods of incarceration.

Within the broad categories of felonies and misdemeanors are more specific delineations of classes of offense, which outline the fines and imprisonment which can be imposed within them.

Given the serious implications conviction of any criminal offense can have on the lives of entire families, it is crucial for accused individuals to obtain the guidance of a Virginia Beach criminal attorney able to articulate possible lines of defense and who will aggressively advocate for reduction or dismissal of the charges or mitigation of sentences where acquittal is not possible.

Criminal Offenses in Virginia Beach

Virginia’s criminal statutes encompass a broad array of offenses, and a Virginia Beach lawyer can assist in defending those accused of committing any one of them. Some of the most frequently-charged criminal offenses in the Commonwealth include:

• Traffic and driving-related charges including reckless driving and driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, as prohibited by Virginia Code Section 18.2-266
• Weapons violations, such as willfully discharging firearms in a public place, as prohibited by Virginia Code Section 18.2-280
• Drug offenses, as exemplified by Virginia Code Section 18.2-248‘s prohibition on manufacturing, selling, distributing or possessing a controlled substance
• Sex crimes, such as those involving children, those concerning sex trafficking and prostitution, rapes, and other obscenity-related offenses
• Assaults and bodily wounding offenses
• Homicide

The above list of crimes is just a tiny sampling of the offenses with which Virginia residents can be charged, and securing the services of a criminal attorney in Virginia Beach who possesses comprehensive knowledge of the state’s statutes and their attendant penalties is the best way to boost the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia and is a popular tourist attraction. Miles of beaches and resorts, state parks, and multiple universities attract people from out-of-town. Being charged with a crime in Virginia Beach if you do not live locally can be a major problem as you need to return to face charges. A Virginia Beach criminal lawyer can help locals and visitors to navigate the criminal court system.

The Importance of Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney

From lengthy jail sentences to crippling financial sanctions to professional license revocations, the effects of a criminal conviction can be long-lasting and extraordinarily detrimental to an individual’s ability to move forward in life.

If you have been accused of a crime in Virginia, it is vitally important to keep in mind that you are afforded a number of invaluable rights and Constitutional protections which can and must be asserted.

There can be no doubt that facing criminal charges is among the most agonizing experiences anyone can have. If you would like to learn more about how a Virginia Beach criminal lawyer can fight on your behalf and work to reduce or mitigate the impact on your life now and into the future, contact our firm today.