Experienced Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense in Virginia, the process moving forward may be confusing and intimidating. From choosing the best criminal lawyer to understanding the penalties of your crime, Virginia’s criminal justice system is not easy to navigate.
The Fairfax criminal defense lawyers at Robinson Law, PLLC, have helped thousands of adults and juveniles fight criminal charges. Whether you have been accused of committing a crime, you believe you are under police investigation or you have been formally charged with a crime, consulting with a top Virginia criminal lawyer right away is the fastest way to understand your charge and explore all possible options for your defense.
No matter where you are in the process, remember: you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer police questions or prosecutor questions. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a criminal attorney: 703-542-3616.
Some of the criminal justice matters our lawyers handle include:
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Assault and Assault on Family Member
- Drug Charges
- DUI/DWI
- Expungements
- Federal Crimes
- Juvenile Defense
- Larceny and Theft
- Probation Violations
- Reckless Driving and Traffic Violations
- Sex Crimes
Former Prosecutor Turned Top Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
As a top Virginia criminal defense lawyer who began his career as a prosecutor, Michael A. Robinson knows how to approach your criminal case from every angle. Having a criminal attorney with a prosecutorial background as your defense lawyer may mean the difference between a guilty and not guilty verdict.
When Are Criminal Charges Filed?
The criminal process for misdemeanors and felonies is slightly different in Virginia. In a misdemeanor case, you will first receive a Summons or an Arrest Warrant, depending on the type of crime. Your misdemeanor charge is valid from the moment the Arrest Warrant or Summons is issued. A misdemeanor usually takes three to four months from the initial criminal charge to the trial date.
In felony cases, you will first attend a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to move forward with criminal charges. If the judge finds that there is sufficient evidence to support the felony charge, the case is then transferred to a circuit court where a grand jury will hear evidence. If the grand jury decides on an indictment, a trial date will be set. The felony process can take six months or more from the preliminary hearing to the entrance of criminal charges.
How Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Criminal charges are most commonly dropped when there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the accused was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Charges may also be dropped in the event of law enforcement error or police misconduct. Sometimes, charges are dropped simply because the prosecutor does not have the resources to prosecute. When resources are strained, prosecutors will focus on the most serious charges and may choose not to pursue lesser charges.
People accused of crimes should not count on charges being dropped. One of the benefits of having a skilled lawyer is that your lawyer will be able to point out to the prosecutor the flaws in the case. In doing so, your lawyer may be able to get the prosecutor to drop charges that they might not have otherwise.
Can Criminal Charges Be Settled Out Of Court?
Yes. Most criminal charges are resolved with a plea bargain. This is when the criminal defense attorney and the prosecutor reach an agreement in which the accused pleads guilty to reduced charges, some of the charges or all of the charges, possibly in exchange for a reduced sentence or probation. Typically, plea bargaining happens before trial, sometimes even minutes before. Occasionally, it happens during trial.
In some cases, criminal charges may be dropped or dismissed, making neither plea bargaining nor a complete trial necessary. Very rarely do criminal charges result in a full trial with a jury verdict.
Choosing The Best Virginia Criminal Lawyer For Your Charge
Robinson Law, PLLC, is located at 10486 Armstrong St, Fairfax, VA 22030. Our criminal lawyers focus exclusively in criminal, traffic and DUI defense in northern Virginia. Choosing the best attorney for your specific case is often a daunting task. The list of top criminal defense attorneys in northern Virginia is extensive. Some Virginia criminal lawyers represent clients state-wide, while others limit their practice to a specific region or city. The criminal attorneys at Robinson Law, PLLC, have significant experience working with the judges and prosecutors in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun counties. Our lawyers know what to expect in a case based on the assigned prosecutor or which judge is on the bench for your day in court. Our criminal lawyers represent both adults and juveniles facing misdemeanor and felony offenses in the following Virginia locations:
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Fairfax
- Fredericksburg
- Loudoun and Leesburg
- Prince William and Manassas
- Spotsylvania
- Stafford
Your Free Consultation With A Virginia Criminal Lawyer
Our criminal lawyers do not restrict the time limit to their free consultations. Whether you have been charged with DUI, possession of marijuana, reckless driving or larceny, our attorneys will discuss your case in person or over the phone. Your free consultation will take as long as needed to ensure both you and your criminal attorney understand the details of your case and all options for your defense. Contact our office today to speak with a criminal lawyer for free: 703-542-3616. You can also reach out through our online contact form.