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If you’re searching for a top criminal lawyers Fairfax Virginia has to offer, you’re likely facing a criminal charge. Regardless of how much evidence is stacked against you, you have the right to hire a Fairfax criminal lawyer to protect your rights and represent you in a fair trial. At Dave Albo, we know how complex a criminal charge can be. It’s our goal to build thorough defense cases for our clients and advocate for their best interests in court.
Criminal Defense Charges in Virginia
Each state has the ability to make its own laws regarding criminal matters, even though there are many actions that are considered illegal in all 50 states. In Virginia, criminal litigation can be complex because state prosecutors are not necessarily required to turn over every piece of evidence to the defendant’s legal counsel. This can make it very difficult to create a bulletproof defense against the charges. Some prosecutors choose to share the most critical information with the defendant’s lawyer, but they are not required to do so before the trial begins.
Furthermore, when a criminal matter is presented in front of a jury, the jury members deliberate on two matters: First, they decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Second, if they issue a verdict of guilty, they provide a recommendation on the sentencing (e.g., fines or incarceration). Even though Virginia has created sentencing guidelines, the jurors do not see these guidelines while they are making their sentence recommendations.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
There are clearly many risks when it comes to criminal litigation in Virginia. While no criminal lawyer Fairfax VA provides can protect a defendant against every risk, an experienced lawyer may be able to guard against the most damaging outcomes. By focusing on a realistic outcome, a lawyer may work closely with the prosecution to form a plea deal or an agreement for lesser charges.
If you’re looking to hire a criminal lawyers Fairfax Virginia residents count on, you may already know that hiring a private law firm (as opposed to a state-appointed lawyer) is optional. There are several advantages of hiring your own legal counsel, however. Not only can you choose a lawyer with whom you completely trust and feel comfortable; you can also look for a lawyer who has experience dealing with similar cases. Experience, knowledge, availability of resources, and accessibility all matter in criminal defense litigation.
Speak With a Criminal Lawyer Fairfax VA Residents Rely On
If you or someone you care about is facing a tough legal matter, the lawyers at Dave Albo may be able to help. We have assisted countless Virginians with criminal defense matters and we pride ourselves on being a trusted source for legal counsel. As a top Virginia State Legislator for over 20 years, Dave Albo thoroughly understands what goes into criminal defense litigation. Now operating as a well-known criminal lawyer in Fairfax VA, he truly knows that there is a lot at stake when a defendant is facing criminal charges.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation with a criminal lawyers Fairfax VA trusts, contact Dave Albo today.
Finding yourself being charged with a crime can be incredibly distressing regardless of whether you are innocent or at fault. As a criminal law attorney Fairfax, VA has to offer, we, at Dave Albo, believe everyone deserves a fair chance at defending themselves. Moreover, it is their basic right as a United States citizen and human being. There may be people who tell you to fight your case on your own. However, navigating your way around the legal system can be very difficult. Unless you fully understand the obstacles that you will almost certainly face, it would be in your best interest to speak with a Fairfax, VA criminal law attorney. There is no reason as to why you should face your charges alone. The court hearings, trials, documentation, evidence, pleadings, and all other legal procedures will likely add to any anxiety you already have. By choosing to utilize a criminal attorney in Fairfax, VA, you can feel peace of mind in knowing your interests and rights will be protected.
The Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
There are a number of reasons for hiring a criminal defense lawyer. For instance, they can protect your rights, create a strong defense on your behalf, and support you in every legal way possible. Apart from this, a lawyer may benefit you in the following ways:
They Know How to Defense the Accused
Criminal lawyers have studied criminal law for years. They understand the aspects of the laws and court procedures. A good lawyer will be well equipped to examine all evidence and facts presented in a case. It is their job to defend you and your charges. They can also determine whether there are any inconsistencies in your case or loopholes that can be used in your favor.
Criminal Lawyers Know How to Design a Strong Defense
Every case is inherently unique. Your own case will need a custom approach and strategy that suits your charges accordingly. The right Fairfax, Virginia criminal law attorney will measure all events and existing set of circumstances to draft a sound legal defense on your behalf. Based upon the strategy, an independent investigation may ensue. Negotiations, settlements, plea-arrangements, or preparations for a trial will proceed.
You May Be Protected Against Harsh Penalties
With regards to criminal charges, the prosecutor may choose to be particularly harsh against your case. Even if you have been falsely accused of a crime, you are not excused from the possibility of receiving a penalty. A criminal law attorney in Fairfax, VA can assist you in protecting you against prosecutors who are eager to get a conviction. Should you be found guilty, or plead for the same, your lawyer can ensure you are not unfairly sentenced.
A Criminal Lawyer Can Do Damage Control For You
A lawyer can prohibit law enforcement to contact you without going through your lawyer. This eliminates you from intimidation, harassment, or possibly hasty decisions from your end. All decisions pass through your legal counsel. This gives you an equal chance, albeit fight, against the charges.
At Dave Albo, we provide you with these benefits and more. If you’ve been charged with a crime, please don’t delay in exploring your legal options. Call a criminal law attorney in Fairfax, VA now. 
Over the past several years, there are a number of new criminal laws that took effect in Virginia. Every year the General Assembly meets in the Winter and proposes new laws and amendments to old laws. In addition to being a criminal attorney Fairfax, VA trusts, I have served as the Chairman of the Committee which writes these laws – the House Courts of Justice Committee, so I have had a large role in the drafting of these new laws. Here are a few of the new laws I thought were significant.
Criminal charges are almost always very serious and the consequences of a conviction can be life-changing. Even seemingly minor charges such as petty theft should be taken seriously. If you are convicted of an offense, it can impact you for years. This is why it’s so important to work with a Fairfax criminal attorney who has the experience and knowledge to make a difference in the outcome of your case. They are adept in the many tactics and skills required to be successful in court. Along with their specialized legal background, they have the persuasive skills to make a compelling argument that can reduce your charges or even dismiss them. If you do not have sufficient understanding of the law, you can risk setting yourself up to lose in court. Our attorneys at Dave Albo are skilled at presenting rock-solid defenses and representation for clients for any of the following:
A criminal charge of murder is one of the most serious crimes that someone can be charged with, and having a qualified criminal attorney Fairfax VA locals choose for representation is almost mandatory. Such charges should always be taken seriously as they can result in severe sentences. No matter what your concerns are, do not hesitate to find a qualified attorney who understands how to construct a strong argument for a successful case outcome. Each delay can cost you the precious time your attorney needs to form an effective strategy. Public defenders are often overburdened and are rarely as effective as a dedicated private attorney. Because they are often stretched too thin and are overloaded with numerous cases, they may not be able to deliver the best quality argument for their defendants. At Dave Albo we regulate our caseload so as to ensure that each client receives our utmost focus. Each client deserves to be provided with top legal representation, no matter what charge they are facing. You should only seek urgent legal assistance from attorneys who will go the distance so that your rights are fully protected. Only work with top attorneys who can handle your case properly. When you need a skilled criminal attorney Fairfax VA residents turn to with confidence, contact us for a free consultation during which one of our attorneys will review your case. Our legal team is adept at representing clients who have been charged with any of the following:
First-degree murder. This is commonly associated with cases that involve the pre-planned and intentional murder of another individual which results in their death. If convicted, the accused can be imprisoned for life as well as be responsible for paying a substantial fine of up to $100,000. When you hire a criminal attorney Fairfax VA community members trust from Dave Albo it’s possible that your charge can be reduced or dismissed altogether.
Second-degree murder. This is when someone is believed to have intentionally killed another person on the spur of the moment, rather than as a pre-planned event. Though not as serious a charge as first-degree murder, convictions can result in prison terms as long as 40 years. A criminal attorney in Fairfax VA who represents you must prove that there is reasonable doubt that in fact, you were the perpetrator or that you acted in self-defense.
Capital murder. This is a Class 1 felony which can be just as serious as first-degree murder and can result in life in prison or a death sentence. The act of killing another person willfully, deliberately, and in a premeditated fashion falls under this category. After consulting with a criminal attorney Fairfax VA relies on, you should have a clearer understanding of this charge. Here are several common examples:
Felony murder. If someone kills another person while in the commission of a felony, they may be charged with felony murder in the first or second degree.
Involuntary: When the perpetrator did not intend to kill the person. More often than not, the person died as a result of an accident that was avoidable. A criminal attorney Fairfax VA offers may be able to prove that the accident was not avoidable, or that you acted in self-defense. Voluntary: When the perpetrator intended to kill the person but did not act with malice.
You may be considered to be under arrest even before the law enforcement officer tells you you’re under arrest. If you are not free to leave or walk away from the officer, you are detained by them, and as a result, are in their custody. A Fairfax criminal lawyer can later determine if law enforcement violated your rights, leading up to informing you of your Miranda rights. Every situation is different and must be reviewed by a criminal lawyer Fairfax, VA turns to, but in general, you can only be arrested under one or more of the following circumstances:
If law enforcement intends to arrest you, they will. Resisting arrest does not stop that process; in fact, it very well may add another charge against you. If the arrest is without merit, our Fairfax, VA criminal lawyer may be able to prove it is unwarranted. You may even have the right to pursue justice for harassment, but that can be decided later by your attorney. The other reason not to resist arrest is that if you injure a police officer, that will likely result in another criminal charge against you. And in the process of resisting arrest, you may be injured, and you may or may not receive adequate medical attention for your injury. Though you may resent being arrested, remain calm, respectful, and once in custody, immediately call a criminal lawyer Fairfax, VA residents recommend from our firm.
Some of the most significant headlines about criminal trials center on the word “mistrial.” These headlines are almost always written in a frustrated tone. But why? A judge may opt to declare a mistrial (or may be compelled to, depending on the circumstances) when an irregularity in the proceedings spoils the integrity of the trial itself. This ruling essentially renders a trial’s proceedings “spoiled” in some way, so it cannot be completed as originally intended. A mistrial essentially voids the proceedings. This is a significant ruling for everyone touched by the trial, as it means that, to move forward with the legal questions at hand, a new trial must be ordered.
When is the process of declaring a mistrial appropriate? That depends on the circumstances surrounding the trial itself. Sometimes, mistrials are declared when there is such significant misconduct by one of the parties involved that it makes it impossible for the jury to render a fair verdict. Or sometimes the jury itself behaves in a way that warrants a mistrial. Under certain circumstances, individual jurors may be dismissed in favor of alternates. But say, for example, that a fully sequestered jury gathered together in the hotel room of one of the members and had a news “viewing party.” If all jurors invested in the process have been tainted in this way, the situation may result in a mistrial so that the full weight of the legal case may be heard by a new jury.
Most mistrials are declared as the result of so-called “hung juries.” A hung jury occurs when a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict. This is one of the reasons why so many significant headlines about major criminal trials are impacted by mistrials. In numerous significant cases, one or two jurors simply could not find adequate reasons to agree with their peers. A judge cannot sentence someone to consequences or allow someone to walk away from them simply because jurors cannot agree, so a new trial is generally ordered. Although the mistrial process is not ideal, primarily because it is both expensive and time-consuming to start a trial from scratch, it helps ensure that errors and jury stalemates do not unduly influence the determination of criminal guilt. Because sentencing someone for alleged criminal behavior is serious business, it should be handled with the utmost care.
Why Choose Dave AlboYour constitutional rights may hold very little meaning or effectiveness without proper criminal representation. Realistically, it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer who knows the system and the laws and has the necessary skills to aggressively defend you and your case. Dave Albo – Attorney, LLP is guided by years of experience and a tenacious zeal to protect the rights of every client who has been charged with a crime. By working with our firm, you will get the support and attention you deserve. During struggles and challenges, we will be there for you and your family. Rest assured, we will do our best to get you the results you are looking for. Learn about Crime Classification.
Facing any type of criminal charge in Virginia is a serious matter. In addition to potential court costs, fines, and the prospect of a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life, you could also be subject to a mandatory minimum jail sentence. In these situations, you need a Fairfax, VA criminal lawyer to begin working immediately on your case. Even in situations where there is overwhelming evidence against you, we may be able to show you were not responsible for your actions, thereby avoiding many of the harsher penalties associated with a conviction.
Under Virginia law, there are a number of defenses that do not dispute the fact that a crime was committed, but rather address the issue of whether you can be held responsible. These include:
While the insanity defense often adds to the courtroom drama in movies and on television shows, the fact is that it only applies in limited circumstances. In effect, you have to suffer a severe mental disease or defect that makes you unable to distinguish that what you were doing was wrong.
As our Fairfax, VA criminal lawyer can explain, this defense alleges that, rather than intentionally committing a crime, you mistakenly believed what you were doing was not illegal. For example, using someone’s vehicle because you thought you had permission, and providing the evidence to prove why you thought this. Simply claiming ignorance that what you were doing was against the law does not apply.
This is where ignorance of the law might serve as a defense against a crime. In order to prove this, you must either show that you were acting under instruction or had what you thought was prior authorization, such as being charged for embezzlement when you thought you were simply reimbursing yourself for expenses according to company policies.
This involves claiming a form of temporary insanity, in that you were so physically or mentally impaired that you cannot be held fully accountable for your actions. While not a defense against a criminal conviction, it is considered a mitigating circumstance that could reduce your charges or the penalties you face.
As in all of the above, this does not dispute the fact that you committed a crime. Instead, a duress defense asserts that you did so under the threat of death or serious bodily injury. This does not apply if you knowingly placed yourself in such a position, for example, by associating with known criminal gang members.
Misdemeanors in the state of Virginia are crimes that carry a punishment of at most a year in jail and a couple of hundred dollars in fines. Additionally, there are driving offenses that can elevate a misdemeanor to a felony. An offense such as reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, and fleeing the scene of an accident can result in a suspension of a driver’s license. A person is at risk for going to jail and having a criminal record for the following misdemeanor and felony offenses:
Many lawyers personally know people who work in criminal court, including judges, prosecutors, police, and other relevant parties. Because of this, it is imperative that the accused contact a criminal lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia, as soon as they are arrested for a crime. The connections your lawyer can provide may hold weight in the outcome of your situation. The time to hire a lawyer who understands criminal law is right now.
If you’re a resident of Virginia and have been charged with a crime, it may be in your best interest to consult our Fairfax, VA criminal lawyer. Attorney Dave Albo has experience dealing with a wide range of criminal charges and their outcomes. When you are facing criminal charges or an impending investigation relating to criminal behavior, we understand how confusing and stressful the process can be. A Fairfax criminal lawyer can guide you through the legal process and navigate the legal complexities while protecting your rights. Crimes are separated between misdemeanors and felonies in the state of Virginia. This is why it is highly advisable to seek counsel from a criminal lawyer in Fairfax, VA, who can develop a strategic plan for the crime you are being charged with and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. In the state of Virginia, misdemeanors carry a maximum jail term of 12 months and a maximum fine of $2,500. Some common examples of misdemeanors are below:
There are driving-related offenses that can escalate to a criminal misdemeanor. If you are facing any such charges, it is crucial to hire a criminal lawyer. In addition to jail time and fines, you are at risk for losing your driver’s license, so the stakes are high. Below are some common driving-related offenses that can be charged as a misdemeanor:
In Virginia, felonies are punishable by a year or more in a state correctional facility. If you are facing a felony charge, you will need the kind of criminal lawyer Fairfax, VA, residents depend on as your advocate throughout the legal process. Below are common felonies in the state of Virginia:
It can be highly beneficial to hire a criminal lawyer with a track record of successfully handling complex criminal cases and of building a strong defense case in advance of trial. If you would like to confidentially discuss your case with Dave Albo, there is no charge for the initial consultation. Dave Albo attends to clients with compassion and an aggressive pursuit of justice. Our legal team works to achieve a positive outcome in every case. We can help you understand the charges you are facing and guide you in making the best decisions possible.
If you are facing any kind of criminal charge, contact Dave Albo – Attorney immediately to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a skilled and dedicated Fairfax VA criminal attorney. We are here to help.
