Criminal Defense Attorney in Virginia
If you have been charged with a crime, you may be worried about a conviction and a resulting sentence that may include fines and jail or prison time. You may also be concerned about the long-term consequences of a criminal record on your personal and professional life.
When you face a criminal charge, it is important to work with an experienced Virginia criminal defense lawyer who will give you a straightforward assessment of your options, potential defenses, and legal strategies. Samantha Upton has built her law firm on giving clients an honest take on what they face and a realistic view of how their problems can be resolved. She fights for the best possible outcome for her clients in every case.
To learn more about what you can do to defend your rights and freedom, contact the Upton Law, PLLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be quoted a flat fee for how much your case will cost, and you will never pay more than that, no matter what.
Common Types of Criminal Charges
In Virginia, criminal charges fall into one of two categories: misdemeanors and the more serious felonies.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors include less serious offenses under Virginia law. Potential penalties for a misdemeanor conviction include fines and jail time of up to 12 months. Misdemeanor offenses are further divided into four classes, with Class 4 misdemeanors being the least serious offenses and Class 1 misdemeanors being the most serious. Examples of misdemeanors under Virginia law include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Hit & run
- Eluding
- Obstruction of justice
- Driving on suspended license
- Underage possession of alcohol
- Petit larceny
- Assault and battery
- Disorderly conduct
- Driving without a driver’s license
- Possession of Schedule IV or Schedule V controlled substances
- Driving without car insurance
- Public intoxication
- Driving with an open container of alcohol
Felonies
Felonies in Virginia include more serious criminal offenses. A felony conviction could result in a prison sentence of at least one year and up to life imprisonment for the most serious felony offenses. A capital case can result in the imposition of the death penalty. Felonies are divided into six classes, with Class 6 felonies being the least serious and Class 1 felonies being the most serious. Examples of felonies in Virginia include:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Kidnapping
- Malicious wounding
- Burglary
- Arson
- Human trafficking
- Child abuse
- Forging of public records
- Extortion
- Petit larceny 3rd offense
- Grand larceny
- Possession of a schedule I/II substance
- Drug distribution
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Assault on law enforcement
- Solicitation of a minor