A Virginia criminal defense lawyer can help you build a strong case for your innocence when facing misdemeanor or felony charges. This includes cases involving assault, reckless driving, drug crimes and more.
Defending yourself in court against criminal charges can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. A dedicated attorney can provide legal assistance to minimize the impact on your reputation and livelihood.
Weapons Charges
When people think of weapons offenses, they may imagine guns or knives. However, any instrument that could cause serious bodily harm or death is considered a weapon under Virginia law. These include things like a baseball bat, razor, nun chucks or even a frying pan. A person who is found to have these in their possession is facing a class 6 felony charge and mandatory prison time.
Criminal defense services in Virginia can help if you have been charged with this or any other type of firearm offense. They can work to get the charges dropped or amended, as well as protect you if your case does go to trial.
Anyone who is under investigation for federal criminal allegations should consider reaching out to a qualified Virginia federal crime attorney as soon as possible. A skilled federal criminal lawyer can offer invaluable insights gained from years of experience in defending against these types of accusations. They can also be a powerful ally in negotiations with the prosecutor.
Sex Offenses
Whether you are charged with rape or child pornography, a Virginia criminal defense attorney can help. These crimes are taken seriously, and a conviction can lead to harsh prison sentences and the requirement to register as a sexual offender for the rest of your life.
A lawyer can help you defend yourself against sex crime charges by raising all possible defenses. For example, a lawyer may argue that the victim did not resist or cry out. He or she can also challenge the validity of the victim’s memory of the encounter.
The crime of rape includes sexual contact without consent or force. This can include oral or anal intercourse, genital penetration, or penetrating the genital opening with an object. Forcible sodomy is an additional charge that can be brought when a defendant commits sexual acts against a minor who is detained or otherwise confined, such as in a jail or correctional facility. Object sexual penetration is defined as penetrating, however slightly, the anal or vaginal opening with an object.
Drug Charges
Depending on the type of drug and whether you are accused of possession, distribution or manufacturing, Virginia criminal drug charges can carry a variety of penalties. You need a strong, experienced lawyer on your side right away to protect your rights from questioning and investigation by the authorities through arrest, courtroom appearances and trial if necessary.
A conviction for a drug crime can stay on your record for the rest of your life and impact your future job opportunities, housing options and your family life. A skilled lawyer can make the prosecution’s case as weak as possible, for example by calling into question whether a search and seizure was legal or by proving that you were not aware of the presence of drugs in your possession.
Paraphernalia is equipment used to manufacture, conceal, store, prepare, ingest, inject or inhale controlled substances. These include but are not limited to restraining devices, scales, bags and other containers.
Forfeiture of Assets
If you are facing charges of a white-collar crime or other federal offense, the prosecutor may seek to seize your money, property, and assets under civil forfeiture laws. It is important to work with a Virginia criminal defense attorney who understands these types of cases.
The Commonwealth must present evidence that the property was used for or in connection with a criminal act, such as drug trafficking, in order to permanently seize it. You have a right to contest the seizure and you can show, by a preponderance of evidence, that the property was not connected with any criminal activity.
Civil asset forfeiture was once a powerful tool against drug dealers and organized crime, but the low burden of proof to confiscate assets forever and the awarding of proceeds to cash-strapped local law enforcement agencies has resulted in criticism and reform efforts. An experienced Virginia attorney will bring a thorough understanding of the state statutes and case law to your defense.
