Coastal Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys

Defense for Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

The Virginia Code classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Although felonies are considered the more serious of the two, a charge at either level must be taken seriously. A conviction could lead to several sanctions, such as incarceration, fines, loss of driving privileges, and more. 

And those are just the criminal penalties a judge can impose. Even after your sentence is served, you may face collateral consequences, such as having trouble maintaining or obtaining employment or getting federal financial aid for college.

The potential penalties for the different levels and classes of crimes include:

• Class 1 misdemeanor: This class is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
• Class 2 misdemeanor: Conviction penalties include jail for up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
• Class 3 misdemeanor: Penalties include a fine of up to $500.
• Class 4 misdemeanor: A conviction can result in a fine of up to $250.
• Class 1 felony: This level and class carries a maximum prison term of life and a maximum fine of $100,000.
• Class 2 felony: Penalties for a conviction include imprisonment between 20 years and life and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 3 felony: The punishments for a conviction include between 5 and 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 4 felony: The conviction penalties include between 2 and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 5 felony: This class is punishable by 1 to 10 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
• Class 6 felony: A conviction carries a term of imprisonment between 1 and 5 years and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, our team will fight relentlessly for you.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

A criminal defense attorney can be an invaluable asset if you are facing criminal charges. Here are several ways in which they can help:

Experienced Legal Advice

A criminal defense attorney has in-depth knowledge of the law and the criminal justice system. They can provide you with expert advice on the charges you are facing, the potential penalties, and the best course of action for your defense.

Protecting Your Rights

One of the primary roles of a criminal defense attorney is to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that you are treated fairly by law enforcement, that your constitutional rights are upheld, and that any evidence against you is obtained legally.

Building a Strong Defense

A defense attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They will use this information to build a strong defense strategy, which may include challenging the credibility of evidence, presenting alibis, or proving that your actions were justified.

Negotiating Plea Bargains

In many cases, a defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea bargain. This might involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. An experienced attorney will know how to negotiate the best possible terms for you.

Representing You in Court

If your case goes to trial, a criminal defense attorney will represent you in court. They will present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments on your behalf. Their goal is to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Navigating Legal Procedures

The criminal justice system is complex and filled with procedural requirements. A criminal defense attorney will ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time, and that you meet all court deadlines and appearances. This helps prevent any procedural errors that could negatively impact your case.

Mitigating Sentences

If you are convicted, a criminal defense attorney can work to mitigate your sentence. They may present evidence or arguments that justify a lighter sentence, such as a lack of prior criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, or extenuating circumstances related to the offense.

Post-Conviction Relief

Even after a conviction, a criminal defense attorney can assist with post-conviction relief options, such as appeals, sentence modifications, or expungements. They can help you understand your options an pursue any available remedies to improve your situation.

Overall, a criminal defense attorney provides critical support and legal representation, helping to navigate the complexities of the legal system, protect your rights, and achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Have questions? Contact our firm today to schedule an initial consultation.

We’re Ready to Defend You

If you need compassionate yet aggressive defense for your criminal matter, turn to Tillotson & Martin. To build a strong and effective strategy, our Coastal Virginia lawyers thoroughly prepare for each case we handle. We’ll discuss your situation and legal options with you to work toward a favorable result.

To get started on your case, contact us at (757) 568-7978.