Lynchburg & Forest, Virginia Criminal Law Attorney
When it comes to the outcome of any criminal case, the stakes are always high. Being accused of a crime might leave you confused and frightened for your future, but you’ll need to take some steps to protect your rights and freedom as quickly as possible.
At the Straw Law Firm, PLLC, we provide aggressive representation to clients throughout the Lynchburg area that have been accused of a variety of offenses. Whether your case is simple or complex, trying to handle it on your own or leaving it in the hands of a busy public defender could be a mistake. The penalties for conviction in even a minor case in Virginia can be life-changing, so it makes sense to have the strongest legal advocate possible on your side from the start.
The Seriousness of Criminal Charges in Virginia
Some of the most common criminal offenses in the Commonwealth of Virginia that we provide a defense against include DUI or DWI charges, drug crimes, property offenses, rape and other sex crimes, traffic offenses, fraud and money crimes, domestic abuse allegations, identify theft, and murder and other violent crimes.
When you have been convicted of a crime, even a minor one, the impact can be far-reaching. Having something on your record can affect your ability to get a job, go to the school of your choice, get a professional license, be approved for a loan, and even find a place to live.
Fortunately, the United States Constitution gives you certain rights. One of the first things you should do after being arrested for any criminal offense in Virginia is to speak with a qualified attorney that will safeguard your rights.
Misdemeanor Offenses in Virginia
Between misdemeanors and felonies, misdemeanors are the less serious of the two. According to the Code of Virginia § 18.2-9, there are four classes of misdemeanors. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, some crimes can be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor. For example, the class of the victim, the value of an item involved, or any previous convictions could play a role in this classification.
There are also unclassified misdemeanors in Virginia that include first-offense marijuana possession charges. This type of crime might involve a fine if convicted but no jail time.
Felony Charges in Virginia
Felony charges are considered much more serious in Virginia, and most convictions will involve serving time in state prison. According to the Code of Virginia § 18.2-9 and § 18.2-10, there are six classes of felonies.
Defending Your Rights and Freedom
An arrest for a criminal offense is not the same thing as a conviction. You might feel discouraged about your current situation, but your case has just begun. The burden of proof lies in the hands of the prosecutor, and there’s always the chance that mistakes were made during an investigation or arrest is made that could help your case.
At the Straw Law Firm, we go the extra mile to make sure you get the justice you deserve. One of our missions is to provide exemplary service to every client. We do this in criminal cases by thoroughly investigating each case, speaking with witnesses independently, and examining police and crime scene records.
Not only will we look for potential violations of your rights, but we will also bring in experts when appropriate to help us prepare a trial strategy and challenge the prosecution. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may be able to achieve a dismissal of charges or get the prosecution to agree to certain diversion programs.
Speak with an Experienced Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor sex crime or have pending DUI charges, the Straw Law Firm has many years of experience dealing with these types of cases. We take the time to fully understand the circumstances of your case before we suggest the most beneficial course of action.
While we can’t guarantee the outcome of any case, our legal team is dedicated to providing you with personalized service and strong legal representation. We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss your case.
Contact our Lynchburg area office today at (434) 595-3581 to schedule your initial consultation.
