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Dinwiddie Criminal Lawyer 

Anyone facing criminal charges is most likely concerned with the penalties they could face upon conviction. The severity of penalties a person faces depends on the criminal charge.

In Virginia, there are two categories of criminal charges: misdemeanors and felonies. State law treats felonies more seriously than misdemeanors. This means that someone convicted of a felony will face harsher penalties, including a potential prison sentence, than someone convicted of a misdemeanor.

Regardless of the charge you face, it is important to contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately who can explain the entire process from start to finish. They will also provide specific information on how the law applies to your case, including the exact penalties you face. If you are facing charges, contact a Dinwiddie criminal lawyer today.

Penalties for Misdemeanors

State law recognizes different levels of misdemeanors. Each level, or class, is defined by the severity of the crime.

A Class 4 misdemeanor is the least serious misdemeanor, while Class 1 is the most serious. If someone is convicted of a misdemeanor, the penalty they face depends on the class of misdemeanor they are charged with.

Class 4 misdemeanors will typically result in a penalty fine of up to $250 whereas a class 3 misdemeanor will result in a fine up to $500. Class 2 misdemeanors not only result in fines up to $1000 but can also include up to six months of jail time. A class 1 misdemeanor will result in fines of up to $2000 and a full year in jail. The efforts of a Dinwiddie criminal lawyer can help you mitigate these penalties.

Penalties for Felonies

Similar to the misdemeanor classification system, felonies in Virginia are also defined by the severity of the crime. There are six classes of felonies under state law. The general punishments for felony convictions in Virginia are as follows:

  • Class 6 felonies: a prison sentence between one and five years; or up to 12 months in jail, and fines up to $2,500
  • Class 5 felonies: a prison sentence between one and 10 years; or up to 12 months in jail, and fines up to $2,500
  • Class 4 felonies: a prison sentence between two and 10 years, and a fine up to $100,000
  • Class 3 felonies: a prison sentence between five and 20 years, and a fine up to $100,000
  • Class 2 felonies: a prison sentence between 20 and up to a life sentence, and  a fine up to $100,000
  • Class 1 felonies: a life sentence, and a fine up to $100,000; in some cases, Class 1 felonies are punishable by death

All penalties would be administered at the discretion of the court and jury.

Building a Defense

A criminal lawyer’s main goal is helping their client avoid conviction, and thus mitigate legal penalties. Dinwiddie criminal defense lawyers work closely with clients to develop the best possible legal defense strategy. They investigate the facts of the case without making assumptions and use those facts to defend their clients in court.

A criminal defense lawyer in Dinwiddie will also fight to protect their client’s rights during the criminal process. Prosecutors must prove many different elements to show a particular crime was committed, and individuals are innocent until proven guilty. Dinwiddie criminal lawyers will ensure that prosecutors do not violate this right, or any other.

Importance of a Dinwiddie Criminal Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges, you likely have numerous questions about the legal process, the penalties you face, and how a conviction could impact your life. Do not let a criminal charge ruin your life, contact a Dinwiddie criminal lawyer, and you can be confident that you are in capable hands.

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