It is difficult to think of anything more personally stressful or potentially life altering than being accused of a criminal offense. From the moment you become aware that charges are imminent, or in the immediate aftermath of filing, overwhelming feelings of fear, uncertainty, and sometimes even panic begin to take hold.
These concerns are not unfounded, given the frequently severe consequences of a criminal conviction on almost every aspect of life. From jail time, to onerous financial penalties, to irreparable damage to professional as well as personal relationships, being found guilty of a crime is something everyone should wish to avoid.
With that said, in order to have the best chance of having your criminal charges reduced or dismissed, or simply mitigating the sanctions that are ultimately imposed, it is essential to secure the insights and guidance of a Tysons Criminal lawyer who understands Virginia statutes and penalties, and who will aggressively assert your rights to fairness before the law. To discuss your case and learn what steps you may be able to take even before trial, call and schedule a consultation with a criminal lawyer in Virginia today.
Specific descriptions and penalties attaching to a wide range of Virginia criminal offenses can be found under Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Because the criminal code is so vast and encompasses things ranging from forgery to conspiracy to commit murder, it is important for every defendant to align themselves with a practitioner experienced in defending an extensive array of charges. Some of the most frequently encountered criminal charges in Virginia include:
• Traffic offenses: reckless driving, suspended or revoked license, or aggressive driving
• Alcohol offenses: driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of alcohol by persons under 21.
• Drug crimes: distribution, manufacture, possession
• Crimes against property: arson, trespassing, burglary
• Sexual offenses: prostitution, rape, obscenity
• Violent crimes: assault, battery, robbery, child abuse
• White collar offenses: fraud, embezzlement, forgery, bribery
All of these offenses and the many others under Virginia law involve key elements of proof which the prosecution must establish in order to secure a conviction. A criminal defense lawyer in Tysons will work to weaken the State’s case at every turn, attack evidence quality and/or collection methods and do everything possible to secure a favorable outcome.
In some cases, it may be possible to receive a dismissal or reduction in the charges faced, but when that proves unlikely, a Tysons criminal attorney can engage in plea negotiations and seek to mitigate sanctions imposed at sentencing.
The approach taken by a criminal defense attorney may depend in part on the specific offense with which his or her client is charged. Virginia Code Section 18.2-9 illuminates critical distinctions between different types of crimes, including the maximum penalties imposed in the event of conviction.
Misdemeanors are broken into four Classes, while felonies are divided into six, with the most serious sanctions stemming from Class one offenses.
Misdemeanors carry maximum imprisonment of 12 months, though felonies can bring much more serious terms of incarceration, including life sentences as well as the death penalty, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 18.2-10. Anyone facing criminal prosecution, no matter the level, must take quick action to obtain the strongest defense possible.
Aligning with an aggressive advocate can make all the difference in obtaining an acquittal or, at the very least, significantly mitigating the impact a conviction will have on your life, now and in the years to come.
Not only can personal liberty be lost due to terms of imprisonment, the hefty financial sanctions, lost employment and incalculable harm to familial and professional relationships alike can follow affected individuals for a lifetime.
In order to give yourself the very best opportunity to prevail in the face of criminal prosecution or to significantly lessen the impact charges will have on your life going forward, you owe it to yourself to secure a zealous legal advocate. To discover how a Tysons criminal attorney with our firm can assist in your quest for fairness and a favorable outcome, please contact us today.
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