Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges in Virginia is an extremely stressful experience, and you should always have an experienced and aggressive Fairfax criminal defense attorney who can help you to fight these charges. From first-time offenders to people with past criminal records, it is essential to build a defense that takes into account the specific details of your case in order to get an acquittal. Even if you are only facing a misdemeanor offense, you should keep in mind that misdemeanor offenses can still carry jail time, and a conviction still leaves you with a criminal record.
Virginia has extremely strict criminal laws, and many people who are convicted of criminal offenses must pay substantial monetary fines in addition to jail time or a term of imprisonment. In some situations, speeding is even in a misdemeanor offense in Virginia. Let the dedicated Fairfax criminal defense lawyers at our firm help with your case.
Types of Criminal Defense Matters We Handle in Fairfax, VA
At Simms Showers LLP, we represent clients in many different kinds of criminal defense matters, including the following:
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Drunk Driving
- DUI & DWI
- DUI Expungement
- Federal Crime
- Felonies & Misdemeanors
- Juvenile Offenses
- Larceny, Theft & Fraud
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding Tickets
- Traffic Violations
- Weapon Crimes
What is the Difference Between a Felony and Misdemeanor Offense in Virginia?
Misdemeanor charges and felony charges are both types of criminal charges in Virginia. In general, misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felony offenses. However, penalties for misdemeanor offenses can still include jail time, and the convicted person will suffer the consequences of having a criminal record. The following are different penalties for misdemeanor and felony offenses under Virginia state law:
- Class 1 Felony: Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for life (in some cases the death penalty);
- Class 2 Felony: Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for a period of 20 years to life;
- Class 3 Felony: Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for a period of 5 to 20 years;
- Class 4 Felony: Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for a period of 2 to 10 years;
- Class 5 Felony: Fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for a period of 1 to 10 years;
- Class 6 Felony: Fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for a period of 1 to 5 years;
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail;
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail;
- Class 3 Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500; and
- Class 4 Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $250.
Even if a conviction does not result in jail time or a term of imprisonment, you will have a criminal record. Accordingly, you may not be able to obtain certain types of employment or certain forms of credit, and you may even have difficulty renting a new home.
Contact an Experienced Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing criminal charges, it is extremely important to have an aggressive Fairfax criminal defense attorney on your side who can tailor a defense strategy to meet the specific facts of your case. Whether you have been wrongly accused or made a mistake, you deserve to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight these charges. Even in cases where an acquittal may not be possible, our Fairfax criminal defense lawyers may be able to have your sentence reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, depending upon the specific facts of your case. Contact Simms Showers LLP for more information about getting started on your defense.
