Online Form and Instructions
In Virginia, crimes are broken into three categories.
Felonies, misdemeanors and traffic infractions. Crimes are categorized
in the Virginia Code by statute number. From speeding tickets
to murder, every criminal violation is codified by statute. Additionally,
the Code specifically lays out what category of crime a certain
violation is by misdemeanor or felony. For instance, possession
of cocaine is codified in 18.2-250 of the Code of Virginia and
is categorized as a Class 5 felony. In Virginia, felonies are
categorized by 7 classes of felonies. They are as follows:
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Class 6
Unclassified Felonies
As stated above, Possession of Cocaine is considered
a Class 5 felony, which by statute is punishable by up to 10 years
in addition to substantial fines. The type of crime that you may
be charged with could fall into any of the above categories, depending
on the statute number. Class 1 felonies are punishable by life
imprisonment or death while Class 6 felonies carry a maximum of
5 years in a correctional facility. Additionally, other crimes
are punishable as misdemeanors. These types of crimes are broken
into 5 categories. They are as follows:
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Unclassified Misdemeanors
Class 1, 2 and unclassified misdemeanors carry
jail time. Class 3 and 4 are punishable only by fines. For instance,
if you are charged with assault and battery that is codified at
18.2-57 of the Code of Virginia as a class 1 misdemeanor punishable
by up to 1 year in jail. However, you may also be charged with
adultery which is a Class 4 misdemeanor, punishable only by a
fine.
In contrast, the remaining criminal violations
are traffic violations. For the most part, traffic matters are
punishable only by fines and suspensions of driving privileges.
However, some traffic matters are Class 1 misdemeanors such
as Driving Under the Influence (click
HERE to see the Virginia DUI Penalties) or Reckless Driving, which other matters are even
felonies such as Felony Eluding of Police. However, for the vast
majority of individuals, most traffic matters are for speeding,
not obeying a stop sign or running a red light. If you are charged
with an offense that you are allowed to prepay, then it is a
traffic related matter only and not a misdemeanor or felony.
The effects of convictions of criminal offenses
can vary on your life. For instance, conviction of a felony will
result in the loss of civil rights such as the right to vote,
right to own a firearm and right to travel abroad. Whereas in
a misdemeanor conviction, generally you maintain all of your civil
rights, however some employers may discover your criminal record
and employment may be frustrated as a result. Additionally, in
either misdemeanor or felony cases, in addition to any jail sentence
imposed, you may be subjected to probation via supervised or unsupervised
means.
The federal system is categorized in a very similar
scheme as the state system however it is a much more specific
area of law. It is very difficult to make broad statements regarding
federal criminal law, however if you are charged with a federal
criminal offense, even if it is just a larceny charge while on
a military base, it is very important that you meet with me to
discuss your case. The time limits in federal matters are very
small and every day counts. Whereas in a state proceeding, continuances
are very common for good cause, in a federal prosecution it is
very difficult to get your trial date continued, which by statute
may be just 70 days after your arraignment date.
In my opinion, the hiring of criminal attorney
is the most important decision any person can make. In many cases,
a good criminal attorney can make the difference between an acquittal
and a conviction. By following the rules of evidence, making
appropriate pre-trial motions and being an effective advocate
for the client, a good criminal attorney can substantial changed
a perceived disposition of a case and make a lasting impression
on an individuals life. Therefore, feel free to fill out the questionnaire
form and make an appointment for either an online consultation
or an in person consultation.
CLICK
TO BEGIN THE CRIMINAL CASE QUESTIONNAIRE OR
Click
HERE to fill out the "General Response Form" and
I will contact you about your case.
INSTRUCTIONS:
This form spans 2 pages, required
fields are marked with an (R).
At the end of the form you will have the opportunity to review
and edit all of the information you provided on the form.
While working on the form, you may go back to previous pages by
using the back button at the bottom of the form, however answers
on the page you are currently working on when you click the back
button will NOT be saved and you
will need to re-enter the information, therefore I highly recommend
that you complete the entire form, then review and edit your answers.
You may NOT stop part way through
the form and come back to it later as your information will NOT
be saved for you. Should you click any links on the form
page, the linked page will open in a new window. Simply
close that window to return to the form where you left off.
Clicking a link from the form will not cause your information
to be deleted.
You will have
the opportunity to schedule an appointment with me for a real-time
Internet chat or phone call to discuss your case after you have
completed the form.
(BACK TO TOP)
