Alexandria Criminal Lawyer

For more than 30 years people have relied on Attorney David B. Albo to represent them when charged with a criminal offense. He has strong ties within the community and treats every person who seeks his assistance with respect. Dave Albo – Attorney views clients as people who are in need of support, and takes his role in making their lives better very seriously. He used to serve as a city prosecutor, so he has dealt with an array of charges and what is looked for to get a conviction. Our Alexandria, VA criminal lawyer now uses this knowledge to protect those who are facing criminal charges. You can rely on him to bring peace of mind during a confusing time. He knows that clients are often worried about repercussions and future freedoms. Let him consult with you about what you are going through by reaching out today.

What To Know About Virginia Crimes

In the state of Virginia, crimes are either categorized as a misdemeanor or felony. Our criminal attorney knows misdemeanors are viewed as a less serious crime compared to a felony. Oftentimes, with a misdemeanor, there is a maximum jail sentence of only one year. High dollar property crimes, violent crimes, and serious drug crimes are typically considered as felonies and may result in a prison sentence long-term. As our criminal attorney explains, an assault or DUI may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor based on circumstances of the offense. For instance, our criminal attorney has seen a first DUI offense be a misdemeanor, but then repeated offenses increase to a felony.

Generally, assault is charged as a misdemeanor, but aggravated assault is a felony. Disorderly conduct is usually in the misdemeanor category along with reckless driving. However, we encourage you to speak with David Albo about your situation before assuming whether your offense is a misdemeanor or felony. It is better to have a consultation with our Alexandria criminal lawyer and get individualized advice at that time. David Albo is ready to speak with you further.

Why You Shouldn’t Risk It

You should not go into your criminal case under-represented or being assisted by a legal team that is not experienced. If your lawyer is not familiar with criminal law, then you could risk your future and freedoms being taken away. You do not want to leave your livelihood and opportunities up to chance. If you have been questioned about your involvement with any type of crime, been arrested on a criminal complaint, or facing charges for a felony or misdemeanor offense, it is your right to obtain an attorney and exercise your ability to do so.

Types Of Criminal Cases We Handle

Facing a criminal charge can have immediate and lasting consequences. At Dave Albo – Attorney, we represent individuals who are accused of a wide range of criminal offenses in Virginia. With over 30 years of experience and a strong foundation built during Dave Albo’s 24 years as a member of the Virginia State Legislature, we bring legal insight and courtroom knowledge to every case. Whether someone is facing a misdemeanor or felony, our goal remains the same — to protect their rights and guide them through each step of the legal process. Below are examples of the types of criminal cases our Alexandria, VA criminal lawyer regularly handles, followed by a deeper look into how those cases are classified under Virginia law.

• Driving Under The Influence (Dui)

DUI cases are common and involve operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. These charges often rely on traffic stops, breathalyzer tests, and officer testimony. No matter if you took a test or refused it, it is best to work with a lawyer.

• Drug-Related Offenses

Possession, intent to distribute, or manufacturing illegal substances fall into this category. Outcomes often depend on how evidence was obtained and the type of drug involved.

• Assault And Domestic Violence

Charges can arise from physical altercations or verbal threats. These cases often involve witness credibility and whether self-defense is applicable.

• Theft And Larceny

These cases range from petty theft to grand larceny. We examine intent, evidence of possession, and the value of the items involved.

• Weapon Offenses

Carrying a firearm without a permit or possession by a prohibited person are common. We focus on search and seizure issues and whether possession was lawful.

• White Collar Crimes

Financially motivated offenses such as embezzlement or fraud require careful examination of records and electronic evidence.

• Reckless Driving And Traffic Violations

In Virginia, reckless driving is treated as a criminal offense, not just a traffic ticket. We often help clients reduce or dismiss these charges to avoid long-term damage.

• Juvenile Cases

When minors are charged with crimes, we work to protect their futures by exploring alternative resolutions like diversion or counseling.

Each case is different, and we focus on providing practical legal advice grounded in experience and results. No matter the type of criminal case you may be facing, we are here to help.

Types Of Criminal Charges Under Virginia Law

Criminal charges in Virginia are classified based on the seriousness of the alleged offense. The classification affects everything from potential penalties to long-term consequences. As an Alexandria criminal lawyer, we work with individuals facing a range of charges, and knowing how these are categorized is a key part of understanding what’s at stake. Here are just a few examples of charges we often help clients with:

• Misdemeanors: These are less serious offenses but still carry consequences such as jail time (up to 12 months), fines, and a permanent record. Common examples include first-time DUI, petty theft, or simple assault.
• Felonies: These involve more severe accusations and come with prison time of one year or more. Felonies are broken down into six classes, with Class 1 being the most serious (e.g., capital murder) and Class 6 including crimes like drug distribution or grand larceny.
• Traffic-Related Criminal Charges: Some traffic offenses — like reckless driving or driving on a suspended license — are treated as criminal cases. Convictions may affect driving privileges and carry jail time.
• Probation Violations: Individuals already under court supervision may face new charges or jail time if they’re accused of violating probation conditions. These hearings often focus on technical compliance and new behavior.
• Conspiracy Or Attempt Charges: Even if a crime wasn’t fully carried out, individuals can be charged for attempting or conspiring to commit one. These cases rely heavily on intent and planning.
• Repeat Offender Charges: Prior convictions often lead to enhanced penalties. We review case histories closely and advocate for sentencing alternatives when possible.

Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony, or how prior charges affect a new case, helps us create a defense that fits each situation. Whether the goal is to reduce charges, avoid incarceration, or keep a clean record, we bring a focused strategy to every client’s defense.

At the office of Dave Albo – Attorney, we take our role seriously when defending those accused of a crime in Virginia. As a criminal lawyer, we’ve handled everything from minor infractions to serious felony indictments. With over 30 years of legal experience and a legislative background that offers insight into how laws are written and enforced, we’re prepared to help our clients move forward with confidence. If you’re facing any kind of criminal charge, don’t wait to take action. Speak with an Alexandria criminal lawyer who knows the courts, the law, and how to protect your future.

What to Expect on the day of your trial.

If you go to court on your own, with a Misdemeanor and Traffic case, the Prosecutor will likely not even be involved.  They usually don’t get involved unless you have an attorney.  In fact, even if they do get involved, the Prosecutor will not even look into your file until the day of Court.  The big advantage of having a DUI / DWI – Reckless Driving – Criminal Lawyer Alexandria VA is that the Prosecutors will actually give your attorney access to the file in Alexandria.  This is not required by law.  They do it because they think it is the right thing to do.  Thus, unlike other jurisdictions, your lawyer will actually know what the Prosecution’s case will be prior to going to Court. This is a big advantage in case preparation.

In Alexandria, the Prosecutors will be up front in the Court room doing preliminary matters.  Your attorney will be able to briefly mention that he/she represents you, and then will be able to step outside the court and discuss your case.  Thus, if you have a lawyer, your case will be set off to the side and will not be called by the Judge until your attorney and the Prosecutor are ready.  When outside the Court talking to the Prosecutor, plea negotiations will begin.  If a deal is offered, your lawyer is required to bring it to you.  In the end, whether to accept the deal is not your attorney’s decision — it is your decision alone.  If you do not accept the deal, then you will go to trial on this same day.   Your lawyer can ask for a continuance, but these are not routinely granted.  The DUI / DWI – Reckless Driving – Criminal Lawyer Alexandria VA you have hired, should realize this and be prepared to try the case.  Before Court, you will want to have discussed with your attorney whether you should testify or not testify.  And if you choose to testify, you should be prepared for the questions your attorney will ask and the possible questions the Prosecutor will ask.

Following the Plea or Trial – what happens?

Before going to Court, your lawyer should explain to you the odds of jail. This is because, if you accept a Plea that includes jail, or if a Judge gives you jail following a trial, you would normally start serving your jail sentence that day.

Sometimes a Judge will allow a Defendant to delay his/her jail start time.  But this should not be expected.  In other words, be prepared for jail on the day of Court.

Maybe an example would be the best way to explain this.  If you have hired an experienced DUI / DWI – Reckless Driving – Criminal Lawyer Alexandria VA, and your attorney and Prosecutor have reached a plea agreement, your attorney will bring that agreement to you.  In our example, let’s say that you have a number of charges, and the Prosecutor said, “I will drop all the charges except for one, but in exchange I want 10 days in jail.”  You can decide to take it or decide not to take it.   If you decide not to take it, you will go to trial that morning on all the charges.  If you decide to take that deal, then you and your attorney will go before the Judge.  In this example, the Prosecutor will drop all but one charge and then you will plead guilty to one charge.  The Judge does not have to accept the agreement, but almost always does.  The Judge would then sentence you to 10 days, and the Sheriff will take you into custody in the Court room.  You will then be brought from the Court to the jail.

If you do not like the results of the plea deal or the results of the trial, then you have the absolute right to appeal.  You would then get a brand-new trial in Circuit Court. 

As your DUI / DWI – Reckless Driving – Criminal Lawyer Alexandria VA should explain, the Virginia Code establishes the General District Court as a preliminary court.  All rulings by the General District Court can be appealed to Circuit Court!  In order to appeal, you MUST note the appeal with the Judge on the trial date or with the Clerk within 10 days of your trial date.  So, if you don’t file within 10 days the ruling is final.  If you note an appeal and you had a bond, usually, the Judge will just continue the same rules and terms of your bond.  Sometimes, though, a bond / bail with stricter terms is required.  If new terms are required, you will be briefly taken into custody until you can get the new terms satisfied (e.g. come up with a higher case bond.)  Your case will then be set in the Circuit Court.  It is usually set in about two months.  The trial in Circuit Court is a new trial, as if the General District trial never occurred.  (Note: this is called a trial de novo.) It is important to note that a new trial in Circuit Court can result in the same, more lenient or a tougher sentence.  Thus, make sure you know the odds of winning on appeal and the possibility of harsher sanctions.  You should have a full case analysis with your lawyer.  That is why hiring an experienced DUI / DWI – Reckless Driving – Criminal Lawyer Alexandria VA is essential.

Contact Dave Albo – Attorney

If you are interested in getting help from Dave Albo – Attorney, contact him as soon as possible. He is located close to Reagan National Airport, the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Washington D.C. Metro system. Our Alexandria criminal lawyer is prepared to take care of your legal matters, whether in federal court or anywhere across the United States. Contact him today for a consultation appointment to begin.