Loudoun County Attorneys > Leesburg Criminal Defense Attorney

Leesburg Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced criminal attorneys serving Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and Northern Virginia

When you are charged with a crime, you have a lot to lose — your freedom, your reputation and your future. That’s why it’s crucial to obtain reliable criminal defense representation from Simms Showers LLP. Our seasoned trial lawyers are former criminal prosecutors, determined to protect your civil liberties. Let us use our knowledge of the judicial system to fight for the best outcome possible in your case. Contact our Leesburg & Loudoun County criminal defense attorneys today.

Facing criminal charges can be frightening. Facing those charges without a skilled Leesburg criminal defense attorney by your side can be downright foolish. For those in Loudoun, Leesburg, Sterling, Fairfax, and throughout Northern Virginia jurisdictions charged with a crime, an experienced and reliable criminal defense attorney will protect your rights and advocate for your well-being.

Protecting your rights to due process in Virginia

The rights of all individuals facing charges include the right to know the exact charges against you, the right to legal representation, the right to a hearing and the right to an unbiased judge. The attorneys of Simms Showers LLP personally evaluate each case, explain the legal ramifications of the charges against you, and serve as staunch advocates for you in the courtroom. Our criminal defense attorneys have successfully argued hundreds of cases, for the prosecution as well as the defense, earning the respect of peers and the trust of clients. We understand the nuances of the legal system from both sides of the courtroom.

Criminal defense is an intricate area of practice, and our firm excels in it. Don’t put your future at risk by representing yourself or trusting a court-appointed attorney. Private legal counsel does cost money, but remember — you get what you pay for.

Legal experience you can count on

Facing criminal charges can be frightening. Facing those charges without a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side can be downright foolish. If you have been, or are about to be, charged with a felony or misdemeanor, a drug crime or if you need a general Leesburg criminal defense lawyer, we can make the difference in your case. It is absolutely critical that you consult a legal team that will make your case a priority.

As former prosecuting attorneys and practicing criminal defense attorneys, our legal team understands the nuances of the legal system from both sides of the courtroom. We work hard to develop any possible defense each client may have to ensure the best possible outcome.

Learn more about how Leesburg criminal attorneys can protect you from the dangers of talking to the police.

When you are charged with a crime, you have a lot to lose — your freedom, your reputation and your future. That is why it is crucial to obtain a reliable criminal defense attorney like Caleb A. Kershner and William B. Mann of Simms Showers LLP. Mr. Kershner has argued hundreds of bench and jury trials as a prosecuting and defense attorney, and he knows what to expect from the opposition and how to prepare a solid strategy for your defense.

If you are facing a criminal charge, our skilled attorneys can help

If you have been, or are about to be, charged with a serious crime in Loudoun County, Fairfax County, or Northern Virginia, experienced criminal defense attorneys can make the difference in your case. Unlike law officials who are concerned only with clearing cases as rapidly as possible, Leesburg lawyers Caleb A. Kershner and William B. Mann are passionate about advocating for the best interests of their clients while protecting their rights.

The rights of all individuals facing charges — regardless of criminal status — include the right to know the exact charges against you, the right to legal representation, the right to a hearing, and the right to an unbiased judge. With a Simms Showers LLP attorney by your side, you can be assured that your rights and liberties are protected at all times.

Leesburg & Loudoun County Criminal Law FAQs

What is a criminal charge?

A criminal charge is any formal accusation that an individual has committed a crime. Criminal law typically covers crimes against the state, including those that are considered felonies and misdemeanors. When a person is charged with a crime, it must be proven that he or she is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order to be convicted.

How Do I Get Out of Jail After an Arrest in Virginia? – What to do when you are a suspect or arrested for a crime

During an investigation for a crime, police may decide you are a suspect. If they begin asking you questions, you should request an attorney be present before answering any of them. Once you request an attorney, they are lawfully required to no longer speak to you about the matter. After being arrested for a crime and booked (having your personal information such as a photograph and fingerprints taken) police will attempt to question you. It is legally required that they advise you of your rights with a Miranda warning. You should always exercise your right to remain silent and refuse questioning, even if you are innocent. Instead, ask to speak with your criminal defense lawyer. From there, you and your attorney can take steps to formulate a plan that includes your release from jail until your arraignment hearing.

Posting bail

Once you have refused interrogation, your priority will be getting out of jail. A judge or magistrate will set bail based on several factors:

The crime with which you are charged
Your past criminal history
The likelihood that you will attempt to flee before your court appearance
Your bail amount is likely to be set higher if the crime is more severe, if you have numerous past arrests and/or if you have previously fled or attempted to flee prior to a court date. In some instances, there is a presumption against bond.

After your bail has been set, you or a loved one can pay it in one of the following ways:

Cash or check for the full amount
A bail bond for some percentage of the full amount (typically 10 percent)

If you believe your bail has been set unreasonably high, your Loudoun County or Northern Virginia criminal defense attorney can help you request a bond hearing, during which you may request that the amount be reduced. Your financial standing will be considered, as will your ties to the community. If you and your lawyer can convince the judge that you are not a flight risk, it is likely your bail will be lowered.

One final way in which you may be released from jail following arrest is by signing a statement that you will appear in court on the date designated. This is known as being released on your own recognizance. This option is not always available and is usually achieved due to at least one of the following factors:

You have strong community ties
You have lived in the community for many years
You have a job
You have little or no criminal past
You have been charged with crimes in the past and always showed up for your court dates

Often having an attorney from a well-respected criminal defense law firm can help your case for own recognizance release as well.

With what types of situations can a criminal defense attorney help?

For those facing criminal charges of any kind, a criminal lawyer can be a useful ally in proving innocence and/or achieving reduced charges. Not all attorneys who practice criminal law are fully equipped to defend clients charged with any type of crime. At Simms Showers, our attorneys have vast experience in the following types of cases:

DUI/DWI
Reckless driving
Drug charges
Fraud
Embezzlement and other white-collar crime
Money laundering
Murder and manslaughter
Robbery and aggravated assaults
Sex crimes
Domestic violence, assault and battery
Other serious felonies

Can I handle a criminal charge on my own?

If you have been charged as a criminal, representation by a lawyer is not legally required. An attorney who has an understanding of the criminal justice system and its players will help protect your rights during the process of dealing with your charge. Without an experienced and reliable professional at your side, you could make mistakes that end up jeopardizing your freedom and result in greater sanctions than you first anticipated.

One example that illustrates the importance of an attorney is talking to the police. If you have been arrested, it is your right to consult with an attorney and formulate a statement, regardless of the charge. Those who do not exercise their right to an attorney and choose to speak to the police may end up inadvertently admitting guilt or divulge incriminating information (even those who are innocent).

What will happen if I am arrested for a criminal charge?

If you are arrested for a crime, you will be searched by police for weapons. Next, you will be handcuffed, transported to jail and photographed and fingerprinted for identification. After this process (known as a booking), police may read you the Miranda warning and attempt to question you. You are not required to talk before or after Miranda is read to you. Instead, you should request and obtain a lawyer from a reputable criminal defense law firm as soon as possible to determine exactly how to proceed.

What are the typical penalties for common criminal convictions in Virginia?

For misdemeanor convictions, maximum penalties are as follows:

Class 1 misdemeanors: Fine of no more than $2,500 and no more than 12 months of jail time
Class 2 misdemeanors: Fine of up to $1,000 and no more than six months in jail
Class 3 misdemeanors: Fine of up to $500
Class 4 misdemeanors: Fine of up to $250
Unclassified misdemeanors: Fines and jail time vary depending on the circumstances of the crime

For felony convictions, maximum penalties are as follows:

Class 1 felonies: Fine of up to $100,000 and life in prison or the death penalty
Class 2 felonies: Fine of up to $100,000 and 20 years to life in prison
Class 3 felonies: Fine of up to $100,000 and five to 20 years in prison
Class 4 felonies: Fine of up to $100,000 and two to 10 years in prison
Class 5 felonies: Fine of up to $2,500 and one to 10 years in prison
Class 6 felonies: Fine of up to $2,500 and one to five years in prison
Unclassified felonies: Fines and prison time vary depending on the circumstances of the crime

Contact the Leesburg Criminal Defense Attorneys at Simms Showers LLP today

Our Leesburg criminal attorneys offer a free phone consultation for criminal or personal injury cases. Contact Simms Showers LLP for quality legal counsel. The firm represents clients in Loudoun County towns, such as Leesburg and Sterling, and throughout Northern Virginia.

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