Criminal Defense Attorney Herndon VA
Being accused of a crime should not be taken lightly. State and federal laws determine whether an action or behavior is a crime. Not knowing the laws is not considered a viable defense when facing criminal charges.
Being charged with a crime can be scary, regardless of whether that crime is a misdemeanor or a felony. Moreover, if convicted, consequences can be severe and far-reaching.
If you are arrested in Herndon, VA, finding a local criminal defense attorney can be an excellent way to secure a dedicated legal representation. Bear in mind that if you do not hire an attorney and cannot afford one, the court can appoint an attorney to represent you.
When choosing to hire an attorney or seek the assistance of a public defender, it is important to understand that a private criminal defense attorney will likely have access to more resources. Additionally, public defenders have less control over their caseload and can be overwhelmed by the number of clients and criminal defense cases. A criminal defense attorney you hire can spend significantly more time with you.
Although many private Virginia criminal defense attorneys view clients as case numbers rather than individuals whose future lies in jeopardy, Gretchen Taylor Pousson and Matthew Kensky of Scrofano Law PC are different. Upon hiring us, our main priority will be developing a detailed defense strategy customized to the unique facts of your case.
Classification of Crimes in Virginia
Under Virginia criminal law (Section 18.2-9), criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors. While felony offenses are divided into six classes, misdemeanors are categorized into four classes.
Felony Offenses
Felony offenses are severe crimes. The punishment can range from one year to life in prison. When it comes to fines, they can range from $2,500 to $100,000.
Class 1 felony cases typically include the most severe crimes, such as capital murder. It can be punished by life imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $100,000.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Class 5 and Class 6 felony offenses, such as manslaughter and strangulation, can be treated as misdemeanors, depending on the circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s criminal record. Because of this, crimes in these categories are called “wobblers.” They can be punishable by one to five years in prison for Class 6 felonies or up to 10 years for Class 5 felonies. However, if they are treated as misdemeanors, penalties include up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Misdemeanor Crimes
Generally, misdemeanors are categorized into four classes, with Class 1 misdemeanors being the most serious. Class 1 misdemeanor crimes, such as petty larceny or DUI, can result in up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanor offenses carry up to six months of jail time and a fine of up to $1,000, while the last two categories of misdemeanor crimes are typically punishable only by fines.
How Can an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
Herndon is a town in Fairfax County, a part of the Northern Virginia area. The crime rate in this area is considered lower than the national average. Some of the most common offenses charged in Fairfax County include property and violent crimes.
Regardless of the offense, when an individual faces a criminal charge in Virginia, they have certain constitutional rights that must be upheld. For example, every individual accused of a crime in Herndon, VA, has a right to be presumed innocent until a Fairfax County prosecutor proves the individual is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
An accused individual also has the right to hire an experienced Virginia criminal lawyer. Seeking the assistance of skilled Virginia criminal defense attorneys can ensure your case is fully investigated, evidence is thoroughly reviewed, and a defense strategy is crafted to raise a reasonable doubt and fight the prosecution’s case. Choosing a Virginia criminal defense attorney with experience handling specific types of defense work is one factor to consider when seeking legal help.
For instance, if you are facing larceny charges, hiring a skilled theft lawyer can be more beneficial than hiring an attorney who provides a wide range of legal services. Furthermore, if you are facing a DUI charge, a knowledgeable DUI attorney will be better equipped to create a bulletproof DUI defense.
Criminal defense lawyers play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Without a criminal lawyer’s help, you are in danger of being pushed through the legal system in a way that is convenient for prosecution and police. Not only can they make sure every police officer respects the defendant’s legal rights, but they can also help you navigate the criminal justice system and negotiate plea bargains with the prosecution on your behalf.
The Scrofano Law PC legal team can evaluate your case and advise on the appropriate steps. Additionally, we can make every effort to provide aggressive representation, develop a strong defense strategy, and help you understand the laws governing your case like the Virginia statute of limitations for criminal charges.
Our Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys Are Here for You
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At Scrofano Law PC, our Virginia criminal attorneys handle many different common criminal charges, including:
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DUI cases
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Hit-and-Run
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Reckless Driving
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Assault
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Domestic Violence
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Drug offenses
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Theft
Criminal defense lawyers at Scrofano Law PC have a proven track record of success and excellent client satisfaction. They have defended individuals against numerous criminal charges and handled plea bargains and bench and jury trials.
If you need a criminal lawyer to defend your rights like they were their own, Gretchen Taylor Pousson and Matthew Kensky of Scrofano Law PC may be the right choice. They put their clients first and will leave no stone unturned to assist you and defend your rights and liberties.
Do Not Deal With Criminal Charges in Herndon, VA Alone!
Getting arrested and charged with a crime under the jurisdiction of Herndon, VA, can be extremely overwhelming for many people, especially when they learn about the potential consequences. If you require legal assistance, hiring a Herndon VA criminal law firm that knows what they are doing can benefit your case.
Gretchen Taylor Pousson and Matthew Kensky, a former Virginia prosecutor and public defender, have the capacity to understand both sides of the courtroom. They have over 50 years of experience as practicing criminal defense attorneys in Virginia and were named Super Lawyers several years in a row. Using their years of criminal law experience, Attorneys Pousson and Kensky have developed defense tactics and resources to represent and help their clients effectively.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Herndon, VA, look no further than Scrofano Law, PC. Our legal team will discuss the circumstances of your case with you and decide on the most effective way to handle your criminal matter. Contact us today!
