An experienced criminal lawyer Fairfax VA clients recommend knows there are two levels of charges a person can face in Virginia — misdemeanors or felonies. The level of crime you are charged with will determine the penalty if you are found guilty. In some situations, a criminal lawyer in Fairfax VA may be able to get the level of charge reduced.
Misdemeanor Charges
If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor charge, you could spend time in a county or municipal jail, depending on the class of misdemeanor you were charged with. There are three classifications of misdemeanors under Virginia law. They are:
- Class 1: Examples of Class 1 misdemeanors are DUI, reckless driving, and assault and battery. A guilty finding can result in up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.
- Class 2: Examples of Class 2 misdemeanors are possession of Class IV drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and aggressive driving. A guilty finding can result in up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 fine.
- Class 3: Examples of Class 3 misdemeanors are possession of Class V drugs and property destruction. A guilty finding will not result in jail time, but can result in a fine of up to $500.
- Class 4: Examples of Class 4 misdemeanors are possession of a Class VI drug and public drinking. A guilty verdict will not result in jail time, but can result in a fine of up to $250.
Felony Charges
As a criminal lawyer Fairfax VA provides might explain, felony charges are much more serious than misdemeanor charges. If you are found guilty of a felony, you face at least one year in prison. More severe charges can result in life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. Virginia has six classifications of felonies:
- Class 1: The only charge under this classification is premeditated murder under special circumstances. A guilty finding will result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
- Class 2: Examples of Class 2 felonies include murder and burglary with a weapon. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of 20 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine.
- Class 3: Examples of Class 3 felonies include stabbing, shooting, or poisoning someone. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of five years in prison, up to 20 years, and up to a $100,000 fine.
- Class 4: Examples of Class 4 felonies include arson of empty buildings and embezzlement. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of two years in prison, up to 10 years, and up to a $100,000 fine.
- Class 5: Examples of Class 5 felonies include extortion and involuntary manslaughter. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of one year in prison, up to 10 years, and up to a $2,500 fine.
- Class 6: Examples of Class 6 felonies include repeated larceny and animal cruelty. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of one year in prison, up to five years, and up to a $2,500 fine.
Contact a Criminal Lawyer Fairfax VA Clients Depend On
If you are being investigated or charged with a crime, contact a Fairfax criminal lawyer quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to fight those charges. The legal team at Dave Albo is available to meet with you and evaluate your situation.
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Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was facing a charge of Reckless Driving for speeding on I66 at midnight. This is considered a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the state of Virginia. Having something like Reckless Driving on your record is on par with having a DUI. This charge also carries a chance for jail time (up to a year). I was incredibly scared because I had never faced such a charge. And looking into Virginia Law, my speed exceeded 90mph, which is quite serious. I retained Dave Albo to help me with this case. Since my record was clean, Dave had advised I do the following before my trial. * Take a DMV Driver's Improvement Course * Take a Behavior Modification Course * Do 100 hours of community service * Print my DMV Record one week before the trial On the day of my trial, Dave got my Reckless Driving charge REDUCED to a regular Speeding charge. This was the absolute best case scenario for me. No criminal record. No jail time. No suspension of license. I did receive 6 demerit points and had to pay a fine of $250 (plus court fees). But that's a slap on the wrist, compared to what I could have been facing. Thank you Dave Albo for helping me through this ordeal!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave albo it's a fantastic lawyer. He has helped me twice now with great results both times with minor traffic tickets. I would recommend him to anybody including my family. He has great ethics and honesty which is what I look for in a lawyer .Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave was my attorney recently for a car accident where I needed someone to represent me in court. After exchanging all necessary information he reassured me when the court date came that there wouldn’t be anything to worry about. On the day of court a couple problems arose and Dave was able to rectify them quickly, told me everything I need to say if needed and when it was all over he got my violation reduced significantly. I hope to never go to court again but if I do I will being calling Dave again.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Retaining the services of Mr. Albo for traffic court was probably the best decision I made. He is very responsive to emails, knowledgeable, and punctual. He provided excellent advice that eased the panic of having to go to the court house and stand before a judge. I am very happy with the outcome of my visit to traffic court and highly recommend Dave Albo.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Albo was very professional and I was pleased with the outcome.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was incredible to work with from clear communication and next steps. To showing up to traffic court early to walk over all steps, making case in court as experienced/intelligent/well spoken lawyer. Lastly, he even followed after case in writing to confirm the outcome outlining everything that happened in lamen terms (in my case the best outcome we could ask for). I’m so appreciative to David.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely top notch representation. Can't thank Dave enough for his knowledge and expertise.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Dave Albo for a fantastic job representing me and ensuring the best possible outcome for my case. I highly recommend him - you will be in good hands for sure. From start to finish he provided expert counsel and kept me well informed. He simply could not have done a better job.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am THRILLED with the outcome of my case, all thanks to Attorney Albo's superb expertise, excellent advice & sharp negotiating skills! I am extremely relieved and grateful; I highly recommend retaining his services. Well beyond worth it!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave did a great job representing me for my traffic court infraction! I wanted the best and his name came up as I searched for an attorney. Highly recommend him on all levels including a successful outcome to my case.
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