Your Virginia Legal Team

Portsmouth Criminal Lawyer

No matter the situation that has led to you facing a criminal charge, if you have been accused, you should find out as much information as possible about the charge you face. A Portsmouth criminal lawyer is an excellent legal resource in situations like these and can help you to plot an effective defense strategy by carefully investigating the facts and circumstances relevant to your charges.

By working with a criminal lawyer in Portsmouth, you’re making a decision to fight for a better future—one that may not include fines or imprisonment. Our attorneys are here to help you realize this vision and will pursue the necessary defense strategies to help lessen or completely eliminate the potential penalties you may face.

Misdemeanor and Felony Charges in Portsmouth

In Virginia, a crime will be charged as a felony or misdemeanor offense. A misdemeanor is a crime that is less serious than the felony charge and carries a jail sentence of up to one year. Serious drug offenses, property crimes, or violent crimes are all usually considered felonies and can carry life prison sentences if you are convicted. There are certain crimes (such as assault and DUI) that may be charged against you as either a felony or a misdemeanor, all depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the offense.

Some people may think that a misdemeanor crime may not be serious, but a conviction can still result in a permanent criminal record.  Call a Portsmouth criminal lawyer to learn more about the benefits of legal counsel for charges of all types.

DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a charge that is taken extremely seriously. A driver can be charged with this if they are found with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above. A DUI charge will also extend to any driver who operates an automobile under the influence of prescription drugs or narcotics. A conviction of a DUI can carry with it significant fines, the potential of jail time, and the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license.

The Portsmouth criminal defense attorneys at our firm have handled numerous DUI cases and can bring that experience to bear on your legal proceedings.  Contact us now to start building your defense strategy.

Assault

This is somewhat of a general term but applies to a number of different crimes in the state. In Portsmouth, Virginia, the charges of assault and battery are usually combined into a single charge, and encompass a number of offenses that include some type of harmful physical contact. The most simple assault and battery charges are filed as class 1 misdemeanors, which can carry a fine of $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail.

Drugs

In the Portsmouth area, controlled substances are broken down into six extremely different groups, or “schedules,” which each carry a different penalty level if you are charged and convicted of an offense. The most severe classification is the Schedule 1, which includes drugs that are addictive and dangerous and that have no medical value. These include GHB, ecstasy, LSD, and heroin. A Schedule 6 conviction carries with it a much less stringent penalty.  The potential penalties for any drug-related crime in the state will depend on the substance type and the illicit activity type.

Fraud

This is defined by the Code of Virginia at Title 18.2, Chapter 6. There are a number of crimes related to fraud that may result in actual criminal charges; however, the majority of these will fall inside the class 1 misdemeanor area. Some of the most common fraud-related charges include credit card fraud, identity theft, forgery, and writing bad checks.

Many fraud allegations, however, arise out of financial misunderstandings and honest mistakes.  Learn about how to effectively defend against these types of charges by calling a Portsmouth criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Guns

While the US Constitution gives you the right to bear arms, there are a number of laws that dictate where and when you can carry, and there are penalties if you violate these laws. Owners of guns in Virginia also may not carry a number of different weapon types, including certain shotgun types and plastic firearms. The types of gun-related charges you can face will vary greatly, with some being misdemeanors, and others being felonies.

Sex Crimes

These types of crimes are considered the most fiercely prosecuted in the state. In fact, they are treated in such a serious manner that even just the attempt of sexual aggression may lead to a number of serious charges. Sex offenses in Virginia include sexual battery, rape, object penetration, and indecent exposure.

Charges related to crimes that go across the state lines, such as child pornography or sex trafficking, may be prosecuted by the federal government and therefore classified as federal crimes. Conviction of these types of crimes can carry sentences of up to 10 years in jail and significant fines.

Work with an Aggressive Portsmouth Criminal Attorney

Other criminal charges that you may need a criminal defense attorney for include reckless driving, white-collar crimes, and any or a number of federal charges. Be sure you find an aggressive Portsmouth criminal lawyer who can work to protect your rights while helping to reduce the charges that you are facing.

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