Arlington Criminal Lawyer
Are you facing charges in Arlington’s criminal court? Have you recently endured an arrest and are wondering how you can move forward? Is a family member currently in police custody and looking to protect their rights? If so, an Arlington criminal lawyer may be able to help.
Any criminal charge in Arlington is a serious matter. Even misdemeanor-level offenses can result in a court sentencing a defendant to jail time after a conviction. Even if you manage to avoid a jail sentence, the court may order you to pay a fine and will create a criminal record.
An accomplished criminal lawyer could help to prevent these outcomes. They work to protect the rights of defendants while in police custody, to develop defense strategies that protect their freedoms, and to present defenses to juries designed to create reasonable doubt.
Defendant Rights While in Custody and in Court
Regardless of how or where an arrest takes place, defendants have constitutional rights. These apply from the first encounter with police all the way through a final trial.
First, a defendant never needs to talk with the police. A police officer may act like they are your friend or that they can be more lenient if you cooperate, but in reality, this is all an act to try and extract information. Never talk with the police without an attorney present. A defendant always has the right to an attorney while in police custody, and an Arlington criminal lawyer could help to prevent any self-incrimination.
Similarly, defendants never need to testify in court. It is always an option for a defendant to plead the Fifth Amendment to avoid providing evidence that helps the prosecution. Remember, the prosecution needs to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt, and they must do so without the help of the defendant.
Finally, a defendant has the right to confront their accuser. All witnesses in a trial must testify in open court. In addition, all witnesses are subject to cross-examination. A criminal lawyer in Arlington could help defendants by cross-examining any Commonwealth witnesses who offer testimony for the prosecution.
Typical Types of Criminal Cases
The Commonwealth’s criminal code outlaws a wide variety of criminal behavior. In general, criminal acts come in two varieties. The less severe are misdemeanors. These are cases where a conviction can result in no more than one year in jail, but more typically result in some form of probation and the payment of a fine.
More severe as the charges known as felonies. These offenses always make a prison sentence of more than one year available as a potential penalty. In extreme cases involving violence or massive theft, a penalty carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Some examples of cases handled by an Arlington criminal lawyer include:
- Drug charges under VA Code §18.2-250 or VA Code §18.2-248
- DUI under VA Code §18.2-270
- Illegal firearms charges under VA Code §18.2-300
- Assault under VA Code §18.2-57
An Arlington criminal attorney may be able to help regardless of the severity or nature of the charge.
Contact an Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Facing any criminal allegation can be one of the most difficult things you ever have to do. Simply being arrested can be a traumatic experience, and it is understandable for you to panic or to try and bargain your way out of trouble.
However, once an officer makes up their mind to arrest you, there is little you can do to change their mind. It is essential to understand the potential consequences following an arrest and to take a positive step toward protecting your future.
Hiring an Arlington criminal lawyer could provide powerful support. They can work to protect your rights during every stage of the case. This includes time spent in police custody through an arraignment. Then they can work to file evidentiary motions before trial.
Finally, if the case does go to trial, they can present a defense to the jury with passion and clarity. Contact an Arlington criminal defense lawyer today to learn more.
