Norfolk, VA
Respected Criminal Lawyers Serving Residents of Norfolk and the Seven Cities
Norfolk is known for its high crime rates. Not only that, but the city also sees a high volume of violent crime and other serious offenses. If you face criminal charges, you should expect a fight, even if it’s your first arrest. At Robinson Law, our team of Norfolk criminal defense lawyers aggressively defend the rights of our clients from arrest through trial. When you bring Robinson Law on your defense team, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
Where Are Norfolk Criminal Cases Heard?
All criminal cases in Virginia start off at the trial level. There are two different trial courts in the state; district courts and circuit courts. Generally, district courts hear misdemeanor trials, and circuit courts hear felony trials. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is that misdemeanors carry a lower possible punishment. Any crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail is a misdemeanor.
The address for the local District Court is:
150 Saint Paul’s Blvd, Room 3202Norfolk, VA 23510-2747
The address for the local Circuit Court is:
150 St. Paul’s Boulevard7th FloorNorfolk, VA 23510-2773
Showing up for a court hearing related to a serious crime can be incredibly stressful, especially for those without experience in the criminal justice system. Bringing an experienced defense lawyer onto your team will provide you with much-needed peace of mind leading up to your court dates.
Common Criminal Charges in Norfolk, VA
Compared to other cities in the United States, the crime rate in Norfolk is incredibly high. According to recent statistics, there are more than 1,300 violent crimes and almost 8,500 property crimes committed in the city each year, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Virginia.
As experienced Norfolk criminal defense lawyers, we handle all types of cases on behalf of clients throughout the Seven Cities. Some of the most common crimes we handle involve the following.
Violent Crimes
Given the city’s reputation, Prosecutors take allegations of violent crime in Norfolk incredibly seriously. While assault and battery are misdemeanor charges by default, certain facts can give rise to much more serious charges. For example, if you cause serious bodily injury to another with the intent to “maim, disfigure, disable or kill,” you may face aggravated malicious wounding charges, which can result in a mandatory 20-year prison sentence.
Theft Offenses
In Norfolk, there is a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. Property crimes include larceny, grand larceny, shoplifting, and fraud. Police and prosecutors realize the impact that theft crimes have on the community and come down hard on those alleged to have committed these quality-of-life offenses. For example, a first-time conviction for retail theft involving goods valued at over $1,000 is a felony offense, carrying a term of imprisonment up to 20 years.
Drug Charges
Over recent years, the number of Norfolk drug offenses has increased dramatically. Not surprisingly, police are constantly on the lookout for drug activity. Even possession for personal use is a serious crime in Virginia, carrying the potential for a jail sentence.
Weapons Crimes
Given the high rate of violent crime in Norfolk, gun possession and other weapons offenses are a particular concern. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases and often seek lengthy prison sentences for those who are convicted. In many cases, a gun charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence.
If you face criminal charges in Hampton Roads, you need an attorney who is ready to meet the prosecution head-on. At Robinson Law, PLLC, our dedicated team of Norfolk criminal defense lawyers has decades of experience successfully handling all types of serious felony and misdemeanor cases on behalf of clients from all walks of life.
When Should I Hire a Norfolk Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, it is imperative that you reach out to a Norfolk criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the more quickly they can begin an investigation into your case. In some cases, a skilled defense attorney can even negotiate with prosecutors in advance of your trial date to withdraw some of the most serious charges.
Don’t Delay in Reaching Out to a Hampton Roads Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you were recently arrested and charged with a crime in Norfolk, VA, contact Robinson Law for immediate assistance. Our Hampton Roads criminal defense lawyers are ready to get started developing a compelling defense to whatever charges the government is bringing against you. We treat every case as though it was our own, regardless of whether it is your first interaction with the criminal justice system or if you have a lengthy criminal record. To learn more, and to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, call 703-542-3616 today. We represent clients throughout the Seven Cities and throughout the rest of Virginia.