Experienced Legal Representation From a Loudoun County Criminal Lawyer
A Loudoun County criminal lawyer at Scrofano Law can assist you with your defense if you are in trouble with the law. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
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Loudoun County Criminal Attorney
Criminal charges from minor misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. Even a first-time offense can seriously damage a person’s criminal record and affect their life. Penalties for criminal charges can range from fines, jail time, or probation. Additionally, a criminal record itself could affect your job, educational and housing prospects.
If you are facing charges for a crime in Loudoun County, consider hiring a Virginia criminal lawyer.
Having an experienced defense lawyer by your side to comprehend the ins and outs of the criminal justice system is essential when it comes to understanding criminal law and procedure.
Call Scrofano Law today to learn more about criminal law and how we can help you. We will fight for your rights and freedom.
Filing Criminal Cases in Loudoun County
A criminal prosecution typically starts when a criminal offense is committed and gets reported. The police will then investigate. They will identify the facts and likely suspects and locate possible witnesses. Depending on the potential offense, the officer either issues a Virginia uniform summons, which is like a ticket, or asks a judicial officer, usually a magistrate, for a warrant of arrest or summons.
Criminal cases are brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Circuit Court, General District Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hear criminal cases.
The Circuit Court holds jurisdiction over felony and misdemeanor trials, as well as appeals for misdemeanors from the District Court. In addition, it handles cases of juveniles aged 14 and above facing felony charges and may adjudicate juvenile criminal cases transferred from the Juvenile District Court.
Conversely, the General District Court primarily deals with misdemeanor cases and serves as the venue for preliminary hearings related to felonies.
Meanwhile, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court focuses on matters involving juveniles and families, ensuring confidentiality for all cases heard within its jurisdiction.
What Rights Do You Have Before and During an Arrest?
In order to determine your involvement, the police must investigate before you are arrested. They will gather evidence, confirm how the crime was committed, and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant.
The police must respect your constitutional rights throughout the investigation process. You have the right to remain silent and not speak to anyone. If they ask you questions about the case, politely tell them you will only speak with them if you’re with your criminal defense lawyer.
During an arrest, police officers must read your Miranda rights. You must be informed that you can remain silent and that you have a right to an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, you will be assigned a public defender. Remain calm during the arrest and do not resist arrest or disturb the peace.
It is also possible for you to get arrested at the crime scene. In this case, you will be taken straight to detention. In Loudoun County, this will typically be at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Contact a criminal lawyer in Fairfax, VA, as soon as possible for assistance with your criminal charges.
What Happens After an Arrest?
After arrest, your personal information will be taken and confirmed, as will your photo and fingerprints. Then, you will be brought before a judge to determine what bond is required for your provisional release.
On the next court day after arrest, the district court conducts an arraignment hearing for any defendant held in jail. During an arraignment, the defendant is informed of their charges and asked to enter a plea, bail is set, and the defendant’s next court date is set.
The Criminal Defense Process
At Scrofano Law, our team can help you understand how the defense process works. After knowing the facts, our attorney can devise a defense strategy for you. An effective defense could result in your acquittal at trial or a reduced sentence.
Some of the defenses we may raise include the following:
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Insanity
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Self-defense
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Illegal arrest
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Inadmissible evidence
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Violation of constitutional rights
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In defense of another person or property
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Duress, fear, or intimidation
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Lack of intent
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Violation of the Virginia statute of limitations
Depending on your unique circumstances, our defense strategy will be different. Call us to schedule a free case evaluation.
Contact Gretchen Taylor Pousson of Scrofano Law to Discuss Your Defense Strategy
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s hard to not panic and worry. However, you don’t have to face them alone. We can guide you through the criminal law process, ensuring you have a strong defense and receive a fair trial.
Our criminal defense lawyers at Scrofano Law, PC, are here to assist you in navigating the criminal justice system. We understand facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to help guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Over the years, we have assisted clients throughout Virginia, including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, and Prince William County.
Contact our firm today to arrange a consultation with experienced criminal defense attorney Gretchen Taylor Pousson.
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We fight for your rights!
Gretchen was a joy to work with because of her wittiness and fast thinking. She was actually recommended to me by another Lawyer who admired the way she handled things in a courtroom they were both in.
Her advice, encouragement, and patience with me as she handled my case was admirable. She knows her stuff and I felt confident that she was able to get the best outcome for my case based on my interactions with her. Her fast thinking and knowledge of the law and procedures allowed for my case to be dismissed. She is fast on her feet, ready to fight for you while being poised.
If you are looking for someone who is going to listen to you, knows the law, willing to fight on your behalf and is empathetic while at it, please go with Gretchen. You will not regret it.
Gretchen has all the skills to get the job done - former prosecutor, serious jury trial experience, and compassion and skill for days. I would not hesitate to hire her as my lawyer.
Gretchen was simply amazing. At every phase she developed a brilliant strategy and went well beyond expectations.