Fairfax County Criminal Lawyer
A criminal charge may seem like the end of the world, but it is not. Sometimes the police charge someone for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, having connections to the wrong people or just because of misunderstandings and mistakes.
The reason for why the police may suspect you is not essential. What is important is making sure you are adequately protected and you do everything you can to defend yourself.
A Fairfax County criminal lawyer may be the necessary asset you are searching for. A seasoned attorney could meet with you and help you understand any charges against you and what are the potential consequences from those charges.
There may be various defenses you could use that a knowledgeable and capable representative can aid you in understanding. You are not alone and while there may be a fight ahead of you, you may find having another person in your corner will significantly affect your outcome.
Definition of Criminal Law
There are two broad categories of laws, criminal and civil. Criminal laws refer to crimes against the government. While sometimes there is an alleged victim, it is the government which presses and pursues charges against the defendant. If convicted, you may face jail time and loss of other freedoms.
Felonies and Misdemeanors
Some crimes are misdemeanors and others are felonies. Felonies are more serious and may involve over one year in jail and up to a life sentence. A person convicted of a felony must report that to future employers and may not be eligible for specific jobs and careers in the future. It may also affect other rights, such as gun ownership.
Common Criminal Laws in Fairfax County
There are many criminal laws. As noted above, some are misdemeanors while others are felonies. The difference may depend on the severity of the criminal degree. Here are some examples of crimes:
- Drug crimes
- Gun crimes
- Rape
- Theft
- Assault
- DUIs
- Domestic violence
- Kidnapping
- Fraud
- Murder
Because there are different degrees for each criminal action, an attorney may be invaluable in arguing that the government is overreaching when charging a potential defendant with a higher degree of some criminal act.
Violent Crimes and White Collar Crimes
Typically, the government issues strong punishments for violent crimes against other people. First degree murder is considered by many to be the worst crime, while the government does not issue strong penalties for theft of goods worth a few dollars. White collar crimes include misrepresentation, fraud or false advertisement. Because of the lack of violence, the punishment may not be substantial. However, the court will also consider the injury to the public.
Criminal Procedure
The police may not arrest people unless the police observe a person committing a crime or the police have an arrest warrant. When the police arrest someone, the police must tell that person their Miranda rights, which includes the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The arrested person may call a lawyer soon after arrest in order to receive help.
After an arrest, the court will hold a bond hearing and state the amount a judge may order a person to pay before the government releases that person from jail. If the prosecutor is planning to pursue the criminal charges, the prosecutor may offer the defendant a plea bargain. During this process, a defendant may wish to receive advice from an experienced criminal lawyer in Fairfax County.
If there is a trial, there are procedural rules that all parties must abide by. The trial can be decided by a judge or by a jury if the defendant requested a jury. If the court finds a person guilty, the court will issue a sentence, which may include jail time, fines, or probation, among other possible outcomes.
Reach Out to a Fairfax County Criminal Attorney Today
When your freedom is at risk, you may want to do everything you can to protect yourself. A criminal conviction could have a dramatic effect on your life, especially if a court convicts you of a felony.
There are many procedural rules in place that may help you, but it can difficult to understand them and apply them without proper training. That is why a Fairfax County criminal lawyer may be helpful in the event you are facing criminal charges.
Get in contact with an attorney as quickly as you can to see what options you may have and what you can expect going forward.
