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Leesburg Criminal Arrest Process

When you are arrested in Leesburg, Virginia you will typically be taken into custody. The arrest and being taken into custody may have several forms. As you have probably seen on TV, have your hands put behind your back and handcuffs slapped on or the officer may simply show other signs of force during the arrest to demonstrate that an arrest has been made. You will then typically be transported to Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

You also may be transferred to a police substation or to the Town of Leesburg Police Department on Plaza Street. After you have been transported to the appropriate location, you will typically be photographed, fingerprinted and brought before the magistrate. The magistrate hears the police outline the facts of your case and decides what warrants to issue for what criminal offenses and decide what bonds may be necessary, if any.

When you are arrested you will lose your liberty and you will be facing an impending charge for criminal offenses. Though you may not have to be charged after an arrest in Virginia, especially in the Town of Leesburg an arrest usually results in a criminal charge. It is very important that when you have been arrested, you contact a Leesburg criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Arraignment

An arraignment takes several forms depending on what type of criminal offense you are charged with. For example, if you are charged with a misdemeanor offense in Leesburg your arraignment will result in an advisement under certain circumstances may not occur until several weeks or even months after the offense. It may be on your first court date in the District Court also known as the first return.

If you are charged with a felony, however, you will likely be placed on a special docket for arraignment at 11:15 in the Loudoun County General District Court. This special docket advises you of what the charges are and the judge inquires whether or not you intend to hire your own Leesburg criminal attorney or seeks the court’s appointment of the public defender.

If you are charged with a matter that involves a family member or a minor, your arraignment may be in the Loudoun County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, JDR Court for short. This arraignment will typically occur at 8:30 in the morning on the assigned date.

When to Contact a Leesburg Criminal Lawyer

You can contact a Leesburg criminal attorney at any time. Prior to your arrest is always a great time to contact an attorney and let them know what is going on, so that you can get better advice before you are apprehended. If you are arrested, contact an attorney upon release.

Talking to counsel prior to arrest, also known as pre-arrest representation, is important in a Leesburg criminal defense matter. An experienced Leesburg criminal defense lawyer will have handled pre-arrest criminal cases before and will know how to handle them. They will be familiar with local prosecutors and know how to handle them.

People who are facing criminal charges for the first time might be very nervous when encountering law enforcement. They may not know what their rights are and what questions they should or should not answer. A Leesburg criminal defense attorney with experience will be able to use their knowledge and comfort level to assist those that are charged or may be charged with serious criminal offenses.

Speaking to a Leesburg Criminal Lawyer

You have the right to speak with an attorney at any time, however if you are placed under arrest and asked questions related to the conditions of that offense then your Miranda Rights are triggered and you have the right to speak to an attorney at that point prior to answering any law enforcement questions.

Depending on the nature of your encounter with the law enforcement prior to your arrest, you may be free to leave or you may be required to stay and answer the questions. Typically,  if you are questioned during a detention it requires that you be read your Miranda Rights and therefore you can use your rights to counsel at any time.

Advantages of Hiring a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer

There are typically two options for someone charged with criminal offense. You can see if you financially qualify for court-appointed counsel or you may choose to hire a private attorney.

There are several advantages to hiring a private attorney. They include access to your attorney, having an attorney that may have an increased knowledge or specialty in the criminal defense field and having an attorney who will have a managed case load and will be able to handle your case.

When you hire a private criminal defense attorney in Leesburg, you will be given more time and access. A private defense lawyer will have fewer cases on their plate at one time and will be able to dedicate more of their time to you..

The local Office of the Public Defender handles the majority of the court-appointed cases in Loudoun County and in Leesburg. They are very qualified attorneys and handle nothing but criminal defense matters. However, they also have many more cases than your typical private defense lawyer, who will have far fewer cases and thus will be able to spend more time on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.

After Charges Are Filed in Leesburg

After the case is filed you can expect your case will proceed through the criminal judicial system in Loudoun County. Town of Leesburg cases run the same as all other Loudoun County cases. This means that your case will be heard in the Loudoun County Courthouse Complex located in 18 East Market Street in Leesburg, Virginia 20176.

If you haven’t retained a lawyer prior to appearing in court, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Leesburg criminal defense lawyer at that point.

Call a Leesburg Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Facing criminal charges and potential convictions are very serious. before someone make s final decision on an attorney, they should do thorough research. After your initial consultation with an experienced Leesburg criminal defense attorney, they will likely provide you with their phone number and email address for easy communication. In addition you may use internet resources, personal referrals or word of mouth.

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