Alexandria Felony Lawyer

Fighting Felony Charges in Northern Virginia

Felony charges in Virginia can carry very serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances, you could face prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been charged with a felony, you need experienced legal representation. At King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell, our Alexandria felony attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to aggressively defend your rights. We will use our knowledge and experience to challenge the evidence against you, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible results.

If you have been charged with a felony, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Felony charges can be very complex, and it is critical that you obtain legal counsel before you speak to law enforcement or prosecutors. Our Alexandria felony attorneys can use our knowledge and skills to protect your rights, investigate the case against you, and fight for you from start to finish.

Facing felony charges? Contact us today at (703) 468-8557 for a free consultation. Protect your rights now!

What Is a Felony in Virginia?

A felony is a criminal offense that is punishable by more than one year in jail. Felonies are typically more serious than misdemeanors, which are punishable by less than one year in jail. A felony conviction can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Felony charges in Virginia can include:

• Drug crimes
• White collar crimes
• Sex crimes
• Weapons offenses
• Traffic offenses
• Kidnapping
• Homicide
• Robbery
• Extortion
• Embezzlement
• Arson
• Burglary
• Manslaughter
• Reckless driving
• Receiving stolen property
• Receiving property from the commission of a felony
• Identity theft

Felony Sentences

In Virginia, felony crimes are categorized into six classes: Class 1 felony, Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, Class 4 felony, Class 5 felony, and Class 6 felony. Each class carries different penalties based on the severity of the offense. Here's a breakdown of the felony classes and their corresponding penalties:

• Class 1 Felony: This is the most serious category of felony offenses in Virginia. Examples include capital murder, first-degree murder, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Class 1 felonies are punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 2 Felony: This class includes crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, aggravated malicious wounding, and certain rape offenses. Class 2 felonies carry a penalty of imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years and up to life, and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 3 Felony: Offenses such as robbery, burglary with a deadly weapon, and certain drug offenses fall into this category. Class 3 felonies are punishable by imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and up to 20 years, and a fine of up to $100,000.
• Class 4 Felony: Crimes like involuntary manslaughter, malicious wounding, and certain drug offenses are classified as Class 4 felonies. The penalty for a Class 4 felony is imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and up to 10 years, and a fine of up to $100,000.

Common Defenses Against Felony Charges

If you are facing felony charges, your defense attorney can use various strategies to fight for your rights. Here are some common defenses:

• Self-defense: If you were protecting yourself or others from harm, this could be a valid defense.
• Lack of evidence: If there is not enough evidence to prove your guilt, the case may be dismissed or reduced.
• Mistaken identity: If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, this can be a strong defense.
• Alibi: If you can prove that you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, an alibi defense may be used.
• Coercion or duress: If you were forced or threatened into committing the crime, this could be used to argue that you had no choice.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement officials induced or pressured you to commit a crime you wouldn't have otherwise committed, entrapment may be a defense.

Steps in the Felony Legal Process in Virginia

Understanding the legal process can help you know what to expect:

• Arrest and booking: The process begins when you're arrested and taken to jail for booking, where your personal details are recorded.
• Pretrial motions and hearings: Before the trial, your lawyer may file motions to challenge evidence or request bail.
• Discovery process: Both sides exchange information about the case, including evidence, witness lists, and expert testimony.
• Plea negotiations: Your lawyer may negotiate a plea deal to reduce charges or penalties, avoiding trial.
• Trial and verdict: If no plea deal is reached, the case goes to trial, and a judge or jury determines the verdict.
• Sentencing options and hearings: If you're found guilty, a sentencing hearing will take place to decide the punishment, which could include prison time, fines, or probation.

The Importance of Early Legal Representation

Hiring an attorney as soon as possible is crucial for your defense:

• Impact on the outcome: Early legal representation allows your lawyer to begin investigating your case and building your defense right away.
• Risks of speaking without a lawyer: Talking to law enforcement or prosecutors without a lawyer could lead to self-incrimination or misunderstanding.
• Starting your defense from day one: Your attorney can advise you on how to approach questioning, gather evidence, and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution's case from the beginning.

Why Choose King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell for Your Felony Defense?

When facing felony charges in Northern Virginia, it's crucial to have a skilled and experienced defense team on your side. At King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell, our felony defense lawyers have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against a wide range of felony charges. Here's why you should choose us:

• Expertise: Our attorneys specialize in criminal defense law, with extensive experience handling felony cases in Virginia courts.
• Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to each client to develop a tailored defense strategy.
• Aggressive Representation: We are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting aggressively to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
• Track Record of Success: Our firm has a history of achieving favorable results for clients facing felony charges, including case dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals.

Don't face felony charges alone. Contact King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell today for a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case.

Don’t fight felony charges alone. Contact us at (703) 468-8557 and let our experienced attorneys defend you.