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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 the requirements for securing 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.
In Virginia, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies. Our criminal attorney knows that misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies. Often, with a misdemeanor, the maximum jail sentence is only one year. High-dollar property crimes, violent crimes, and serious drug crimes are typically considered felonies and may result in a long-term prison sentence. As our criminal attorney explains, an assault or DUI may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor based on the 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 a misdemeanor, 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 a felony. It is better to consult our Alexandria criminal lawyer and receive individualized advice at that time. David Albo is ready to speak with you further.
You should not go into your criminal case underrepresented or with an inexperienced legal team. If your lawyer is not familiar with criminal law, you could risk having your future and freedoms 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 are facing charges for a felony or misdemeanor offense, it is your right to obtain an attorney and exercise your ability to do so.
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 a 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.
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. Whether you took a test or refused it, it is best to work with a lawyer.
Possession, intent to distribute, or manufacturing illegal substances fall into this category. Outcomes often depend on how the evidence was obtained and the type of drug involved.
Charges can arise from physical altercations or verbal threats. These cases often involve witness credibility and the applicability of the self-defense doctrine.
These cases range from petty theft to grand larceny. We examine intent, evidence of possession, and the value of the items involved.
Carrying a firearm without a permit or possession by a prohibited person is common. We focus on search-and-seizure issues and on whether possession was lawful.
Financially motivated offenses such as embezzlement or fraud require careful examination of records and electronic evidence.
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.
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.
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 law firm, we work with individuals facing a range of charges, and understanding how these are categorized is key to understanding what’s at stake. Here are just a few examples of charges we often help clients with:
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 in defending those accused of a crime in Virginia seriously. 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.
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 the 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 courtroom 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 aside and will not be called by the Judge until your attorney and the Prosecutor are ready. When outside the Court, in conversation with 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 the same day. Your lawyer can ask for a continuance, but these are not routinely granted. The Alexandria, VA DUI/DWI and reckless driving criminal defense lawyer you have hired should recognize this and be prepared to try the case. Before the court, you will want to discuss with your attorney whether you should testify. And if you choose to testify, you should be prepared for the questions your attorney will ask, as well as the possible questions the Prosecutor will ask.
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 imposes 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 the court.
Maybe an example would be the best way to explain this. If you have hired an experienced Alexandria, VA DUI/ DWI and reckless driving criminal defense lawyer, 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 not. 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 would take you into custody in the courtroom. 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 Alexandria, VA DUI/ DWI and reckless driving criminal defense lawyer 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 the 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, a 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 Alexandria, VA DUI/ DWI and reckless driving criminal defense lawyer is essential.
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, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, Dulles International Airport, and the Washington, D.C., Metro system. Our Alexandria criminal lawyer is prepared to handle your legal matters, whether in federal court or anywhere across the United States. Contact him today to schedule a consultation appointment.
