Fairfax Felonies & Misdemeanors Attorney
Anyone who is facing criminal charges of any type in Fairfax, Virginia should immediately begin working with a Fairfax felonies & misdemeanors attorney who can help to fight those charges. Misdemeanor and felony offenses can vary widely, and the penalties for criminal offenses that fall into these categories can be very different. However, it is important to remember that a conviction for a felony or misdemeanor will result in a criminal record, which can have devastating consequences. Whenever you are facing charges, you should get started on a defense strategy with one of the criminal defense lawyers at Simms Showers LLP.
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Fairfax, Virginia?
Generally speaking, misdemeanor offenses are less severe than felony convictions. Both types of criminal offenses, however, can result in jail time or a term of imprisonment, in addition to substantial monetary fines. Depending upon the specific facts of the case, some types of crimes can be charged either as misdemeanor or felony offenses. For example, in a theft case, whether the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depends upon the amount of money or value of the property allegedly stolen.
Penalties for Misdemeanor Offenses in Fairfax, VA
Under Virginia law (Code of Va. § 18.2-11), the following are possible penalties for a misdemeanor:
- Up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 for Class 1 misdemeanors;
- Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for Class 2 misdemeanors;
- Fine of up to $500 for Class 3 misdemeanors; and
- Fine of up to $250 for Class 4 misdemeanors.
Penalties for Fairfax Felony Offenses
Virginia law (Code of Va. § 18.2-10) has the following possible penalties for a felony offense:
- Life imprisonment, and in some cases the death penalty, as well as a monetary fine of up to $100,000 for Class 1 felonies;
- 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 for Class 2 felony offenses;
- Imprisonment for a term of 5 to 20 years and a monetary fine of up to $100,000 for class 3 felony offenses;
- Imprisonment for a term of 2 to 10 years and a monetary fine of up to $100,000 for Class 4 felonies;
- Imprisonment for a term of 1 to 10 years (or a jail term of up to 12 months in the discretion of the jury) and a fine of up to $2,500 for a Class 5 felony offense.
- Imprisonment for a term of 1 to 5 years (or a jail term of up to 12 months in the discretion of the jury) and a fine of up to $2,500 for a Class 6 felony offense.
Aggravated offenses often lead to a more serious felony classification, and a prior criminal history can also be a significant factor in determining the felony classification of a particular offense.
Seek Advice from a Fairfax Felonies & Misdemeanors Lawyer
Are you facing felony or misdemeanor charges? It is important to understand the specific criminal charges you are facing, as well as the potential penalties upon conviction. You should keep in mind that some charges in Virginia that are only citations in other states, like reckless driving, are actually misdemeanor offenses in the state of Virginia. You should never have to attempt to build a defense strategy on your own when one of the aggressive Fairfax felony & misdemeanor lawyers at our firm can help. Contact Simms Showers LLP for more information about how our firm can assist you.
