Occasionally, what starts out as a routine encounter with police leads to an unexpected arrest. Experiencing the criminal court system as a defendant can be daunting, and the effects on your personal and professional life can begin even before your case goes to trial, regardless of whether you have been found guilty in court.
A variety of situations can result in criminal charges, from driving without insurance or registration to drug charges or domestic disputes. The important thing to remember when facing criminal charges is that you always have the right to choose a Spotsylvania criminal lawyer who can aggressively defend you in court.
In Virginia, there are a number of complex distinctions between crimes and the penalties that can accompany them. There are felonies, which are typically the most serious or damaging crimes a person can commit, and then there are misdemeanors, which are generally deemed less severe and accompanied by less harsh penalties. Both misdemeanors and felonies are, in turn, broken down into different “classes” based on certain factors that may be present in a given offense (such as the presence or absence of a weapon in a theft case, or the presence or absence of physical contact in an assault case).
A Spotsylvania criminal lawyer has spent years studying and actively practicing within the specific area of law that pertains to your charges. He or she will be able to give you an in-depth explanation of both your charges and how you can work to defend yourself.
Common criminal charges that you could potentially face in Spotsylvania County include:
You do not have to navigate the complex criminal court system alone. A hard-working attorney can minimize both the impact on your life as well as the potentially serious consequences that can result from such a charge. Even a minor conviction can instigate life-changing consequences if your job requires security clearance or you are or have been involved in a child custody case.
If you find yourself facing criminal charges, contacting a Spotsylvania criminal attorney at the earliest available opportunity can help in building a solid defense. In addition to representing you during trial, your attorney can provide assistance in a number of areas, including but not limited to:
If police contact you regarding an open investigation or criminal matter, invoking your right to remain silent until you can seek legal counsel is an important step to take. You should politely decline to make any statements to police about a criminal matter, even to assert your innocence, before consulting with a Spotsylvania criminal lawyer to review your options. If you are charged, your case will likely be heard in court at 9111 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania.
Throughout Virginia, laws and statutes remain, for the most part, consistent. Even so, minor differences exist from court to court, and a skilled attorney will be well-informed about these variances to protect your rights and fight your case regardless of the severity of the crime with which you have been charged. Knowledge of the intricacies of the criminal court system is just one of the ways your attorney will be indispensable from the time you are arrested.
Your Spotsylvania criminal lawyer will advise you about the maximum penalties carried for each charge, and explain the possible hidden costs of accepting a plea arrangement. Your attorney also has working knowledge of recent changes to the law, as well as familiarity of the outcomes of prior cases that may help determine your best legal strategy.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
