Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Any arrest or criminal matter can threaten your future, so it is important to take them very seriously. A conviction could result in fines, jail time, and irreparable harm to your reputation. The police and prosecutors will do everything possible to secure a conviction, so you should have an advocate ready to defend your rights from the start.

Frederick County criminal defense lawyer Karin Riley Porter is here to help, from police interrogations to bail hearings and court appearances. To discuss your charges and learn how an attorney could help protect your rights throughout the criminal process, call our firm for a free case evaluation.

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas

A Frederick County legal team could defend you from a variety of criminal charges. Karin Riley Porter’s practice areas include the following.

Assault Charges

Assault charges can vary in seriousness, while a conviction can result in jail time, high fines, or a permanent criminal record. Depending on the specifics of your case, a defense attorney could disprove witness testimony, investigate physical evidence, develop alternative theories of the case, and thoroughly examine your situation to build the strongest defense.

Domestic Violence

Family assault convictions often produce severe penalties beyond criminal charges, including the loss of child custody and significant obstacles to employment and housing. This can be particularly scary if you are falsely accused. The courts treat these cases with utmost seriousness, but a skilled criminal defense attorney in Frederick County could analyze the evidence, expose inconsistencies, and help protect your legal rights.

Reckless Driving

In Virginia, reckless driving is a criminal offense, not a minor traffic violation. Conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to six demerit points on your license, fines, and jail time; if you drive commercially, being convicted of this charge could even end your career. An attorney could help minimize these consequences and look for ways to exonerate you in court.

Sex Crimes

These charges are among the most serious criminal allegations a person can face. An accusation alone can devastate your reputation and relationships—even if you are never convicted. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors relentlessly pursue sexual offense cases without compromise, so you need an attorney who comprehends the sensitive nature of these claims and safeguards your rights while constructing a strong defense.

Drug Crimes

Drug violations range from simple possession to more severe charges, such as distribution or manufacturing. Virginia law dictates varying penalties for controlled substances, with consequences depending on the type and quantity of the drug. Karin Riley Porter stays current with evolving substance-related legislation and is proficient in challenging searches and seizures that may have infringed upon constitutional rights.

DUI Defense

A DUI conviction carries immediate penalties, including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. Beyond criminal repercussions, you may face higher insurance rates and issues with professional licensing. A Frederick County criminal defense attorney familiar with the principles of breath and blood tests, field sobriety evaluations, and traffic stop procedures could examine every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.

Gun Charges

Virginia enforces strict firearm laws. Violations—such as illegal possession, carrying a gun without a permit, or firearm use during another crime—can incur severe state and federal penalties. An attorney who understands these state laws and federal regulations could challenge the evidence against you while protecting your Second Amendment rights.

Theft Charges

In Virginia, theft charges (which include shoplifting, embezzlement, and fraud) vary from petit to grand larceny and are categorized by the value of the allegedly stolen item. Therefore, taking items valued under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, charged as petit larceny. Grand larceny, which is a felony, involves stealing items worth $1,000 or more. There are many potential defenses to theft charges which we could pursue.

Why Choose Karin Riley Porter?

An arrest and criminal charges can interrupt all aspects of your life. From the moment you are arrested, you face a confusing legal system designed to secure a conviction.

Our attorneys are familiar with the Frederick County courts, know the prosecutors, and have built relationships based on professionalism and effective advocacy against criminal accusations. They could thoroughly investigate your case, contest any unfavorable evidence, and work toward obtaining the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances, they could go to trial and fight for your acquittal or skillfully negotiate a plea deal.

Contact a Frederick County Trial Attorney for Help With Your Criminal Charges

Criminal charges will not simply disappear—in fact, prosecutors have more opportunities to build their case against you as more time passes. Contact a Frederick County criminal defense lawyer from Price Benowitz now to discuss your case and understand your options. You deserve to have your voice be heard.