Criminal Defense Lawyer Arlington, VA

Professional Assistance for Those Facing Criminal Charges

If you were arrested in Virginia or anywhere in the U.S., you still have rights, and our Arlington, VA criminal defense lawyer is here to help you defend them. There are special rights that are extended to individuals upon their arrest specifically. These rights must be explained to you at the time of your arrest, although many people do not fully understand them. It is imperative that you understand what your rights are, so you can know when they are violated. If your rights are violated, your charges may be dropped. A criminal defense lawyer from May Law, LLP offers the following overview of your rights when you are arrested.

When individuals are convicted of criminal offenses, they tend to suffer legal consequences in the short-term, legal consequences that are long-term, and practical consequences that last anywhere from days to a lifetime. This is perhaps, the primary reason why it’s imperative to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’ve either been charged with a criminal offense or are at risk of being charged with criminal misconduct. If our firm may help you to avoid or minimize the risk that you’ll suffer profound consequences as a result of a conviction, we will. Ideally, we’ll help you to avoid a conviction. However, even if it isn’t possible to avoid a conviction, we’ll work hard to ensure that the consequences you’ll face as a result of a conviction are not as severe as they would otherwise be.

Table Of Contents:

• Professional Assistance for Those Facing Criminal Charges
• Short and Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Charges
• Do’s and Don’ts for Appearing in Court
• Arlington Criminal Defense Infographic
• Arlington Criminal Defense Statistics
• Arlington Criminal Defense FAQs
• Contact Our Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer

How Our Knowledge of Court Proceedings May Help You

Criminal proceedings are complicated and stressful. If you’re unfamiliar with them, you could make a mistake that may jeopardize your case. A skilled defense lawyer on the other hand, has extensive knowledge of criminal proceedings and will look out for you. We may coach you through the entire process and confirm your rights are protected.

Reducing Penalties

When you first get charged with a crime, you may look at some pretty harsh penalties, like jail time. If you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, you have a better chance of getting those penalties reduced. Legal professionals often develop strong relationships with prosecutors and may negotiate a better deal for you. For example, if you’ve never been in trouble with the law before this and there isn’t enough concrete evidence against you, your lawyer may convince the prosecutor to give you probation.

Providing Protection from the Police

Once you have been charged with a crime, the police will likely want to speak to you about your case. However, it’s not advisable to speak to the police without a lawyer present. They could use what you said against you in court. If you have a strong legal counsel on your side, he or she will prevent the police from asking incriminating questions.

Offering Support

When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s normal to feel anxious, upset, and scared for the future. In addition to building you a strong defense, our Arlington criminal defense lawyer may provide you with the moral support you need during this difficult time. He or she will be there when you need to talk and will be empathetic toward your situation.

Saving You Money

Legal representation isn’t exactly cheap, so it’s hard to imagine how hiring one will save you money. However, spending the money on an experienced legal counsel right now may help you avoid further expenses in the future. We can improve your chances of getting a good outcome for your case, which may help you keep your job or prevent you from losing your professional license. If you lost your job or professional license because of all of this, think about how many months or years of income you would lose.

Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Charges

After someone is convicted of a crime, they are sentenced to various consequences. If they are convicted of a misdemeanor, they may face up to a year in jail, fines, community service, mandatory rehabilitation, counseling, anger management, or other classes, probation, suspension of their driver’s license, etc. If they are convicted of a felony, they may face all of these consequences, but they may be imprisoned for more than a year.

It’s important to understand that most legal consequences are finite. Individuals are sentenced to a specific number of community service hours or a specific number of months in jail, for example. These consequences have a definite end date. However, many practical consequences associated with conviction don’t have a clear end date attached to them. People struggle their whole lives to secure housing, employment, loans, and even schooling as a result of criminal convictions. If they are sentenced to register as sex offenders, they may be forever restricted from living in certain places and attending any functions at their children’s schools. The economic toll that imprisonment has on an individual’s family is notorious. It’s important, for so many reasons, to minimize the risk and/or severity of these consequences whenever possible.

Defense Pleas

After our legal professionals review the circumstances of your case, we will make an informed recommendation about how you should plead in your response to a homicide criminal charge. Because every case is different, it’s important to discuss your case with our team as soon as possible to begin building your defense case. Depending on your circumstances,  our criminal defense lawyers may determine that one of the following is the best legal defense strategy:

• A plea of self-defense. If you were forced to kill someone because you felt in fear for your life due to their actions or words, your lawyer may enter a plea of self-defense on your behalf. Your defense strategy will include proof that you had no choice but to kill the other person and that it was not murder or premeditated murder.
• A plea of mental incapacity or insanity. If you suffered from a mental health condition that caused you to kill someone, but not with forethought, your defense may enter a plea of mental incapacity or insanity on your behalf. In defense of your case, they call upon the testimony of a respected mental health practitioner to provide information in a deposition, and court, if your case goes to trial.
• A plea of accidental homicide. If you were engaged in a physical altercation with the individual but did not intend to kill them, your attorney may enter a plea of accidental homicide on your behalf. If convicted of accidental homicide, you may be found guilty of a crime that is lesser than murder or premeditated murder.
• A plea of intoxication. If you were inebriated to such an extent that you killed the other person but had not planned to do so, you may be found guilty of a charge lesser than homicide such as second-degree manslaughter. Our firm will advise you of the likely consequences upon a conviction of manslaughter or other charges against you.

The Miranda Warnings

The most well-known rights are those read to individuals when they are arrested, commonly referred to as Miranda rights. These are often heard on TV shows or in movies, and many people can recite them, even without fully understanding their implications. These rights include the following: the right to remain silent, which allows you to refuse to answer questions or take a lie detector test; the right to know that anything you say can be used as evidence against you, making it necessary to understand that all statements made during an arrest are officially on the record; the right to an attorney, confirming that everyone has access to legal representation and no one is forced to represent themselves in a criminal case; and the right to an attorney even if you cannot afford one, with public defenders provided by the state for those unable to hire private legal counsel.

Other Rights

In addition to the Miranda warnings, all individuals are guaranteed certain rights after being arrested, as any legal professional can explain. While some states may provide additional rights specific to their jurisdiction, the Miranda warnings and the following rights are universal across the United States.

These include the right to a phone call, which allows you to contact someone after being arrested—contrary to popular belief, you are not limited to just one call. You also have the right to avoid being alone during an interrogation, verifying that you can have an attorney present at all times. The right to humane treatment guarantees access to food, shelter, water, and medical care while incarcerated. Additionally, if you do not speak the same language as the officers, you have the right to an interpreter to facilitate communication during legal proceedings.

Do’s and Don’ts for Appearing in Court

If you’re a defendant in a criminal case, you may need to appear in court eventually. A criminal trial can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, you can take steps to make the process go more smoothly. Consider these do’s and don’ts when appearing in court.

• Don’t Be Disrespectful

It’s paramount to conduct yourself respectfully while in court. Your criminal defense lawyer may advise you on how to speak and act. Be sure to address the judge as “your honor” and use “sir” or “ma’am” when appropriate. You should avoid talking out of turn, making sarcastic or rude comments, and using inappropriate language. Never be disruptive or argumentative with a judge, as a charge of contempt of court could lead to more jail time for you.

• Try To Dress Professionally

It’s considered appropriate to dress in business wear when going to court. Looking professional gives the impression that you are an upstanding member of the community. By contrast, showing up for your trial in sweatpants or ripped garments makes you look less serious. You may have a suit you wear for job interviews or church services that you can use for court appearances. A legal professional may help you figure out what you can wear if you do not currently own clothing that you can wear to court.

• Don’t Show Up Late

It’s important to be punctual when you’re a defendant in a criminal case. Showing up late or missing a court date gives a poor impression and makes you look irresponsible. At May Law, we understand that keeping track of a trial schedule can be difficult. Try to make sure you arrive early at the courthouse. You can ask your lawyer to help you stay organized and not miss any appointments.

• Practice With a Lawyer

You may have to speak at your trial before the judge and jury, which can be a nerve-wracking process as a defendant. Your criminal defense can practice going over your story with you so that you don’t omit any important details or give an inaccurate impression of events.

Arlington Criminal Defense Infographic

Arlington Criminal Defense Statistics

In 2022, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia saw a significant number of DUI convictions, with 14,247 individuals convicted for driving under the influence. This statistic underscores the seriousness with which DUI offenses are treated in the state and highlights the integral function of legal representation in such cases. For those facing DUI charges, understanding the legal nuances and seeking experienced legal counsel is vital for managing the charges and potential consequences effectively

Arlington Criminal Defense FAQs

What counts as a forgery?

Forgery is a wide umbrella, but it covers any kind of creation (or alteration) of documents for fraudulent reasons. You may think that forgery only includes the creation, but it also includes the use of these documents. Many years ago, forgery only meant the creation or alteration of those documents, and uttering a false document meant the use of the documents. Now they’re all rolled up into one.

What does “documents” entail?

When people talk about forgery, they might think of several different documents that can be falsified for illegal purposes. Passports, IDs, and checks are all high-profile examples of forged documents. However, there are also much less glamorous examples of forgery: Someone might falsify your financial records to qualify for a loan or housing, for example.

How is forgery Punished?

Forgery counts as a felony in all 50 states, but the actual punishment can vary wildly from state to state. The punishment for forgery can also depend on the amount of money in question. A forged check for fifty dollars might result in a more lenient sentence than a forged check for $5000, but you never really know what the judge might have in store for you. All the more reason to get in touch with a lawyer.

Why should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

It is risky to represent yourself when you are facing a serious criminal charge, such as a felony. There is a lot at stake if you have no lawyer to guide you and counsel you. You may face severe consequences, such as lengthy jail time and large fines. Having a lawyer offers benefits such as legal guidance, a stronger defense, and a higher likelihood of reducing the severity of your penalties should you be convicted.

What charges can a lawyer help me with?

A criminal defense attorney may defend you if you are charged with a crime. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor, felony, or other type of charge, they can offer their support. Charges often brought against defendants include DUI, theft, fraud, firearm possession, drug possession, and assault and battery. A lawyer will analyze the facts of your case and develop an argument that will yield the best results. They will find out which strategies will best serve your case.

Is it possible to have my charges dropped?

A competent lawyer may even be able to present a strong enough defense and have your charges reduced or dropped. Depending on the nature of your charge, you may have your charges dismissed. Factors such as mishandled evidence, lack of evidence, and questions regarding a defendant’s mental state can result in a dropped charge.

What penalties can I potentially face?

The penalties vary depending on what you are charged with. A felony will carry higher penalties than an infraction or misdemeanor.  A charge of felony assault will typically carry harsher consequences than a first-offense drug possession charge. However, even a misdemeanor may result in harsh penalties, such as fines and prison time. For example, a DUI charge as a misdemeanor can result in a $1000 fine and several years of probation. For more in-depth information about the types of penalties you could be facing, talk to an attorney and they will give you a breakdown.

What can I expect from my criminal defense lawyer?

A legal professional can investigate your case and fight on your behalf. When you get in touch with our experienced Arlington criminal defense lawyer, they can walk you through what to expect from your case, and they can shed light on the criminal charges you may be facing. They’re a valuable ally to have on your side, and they’re standing by to help. A forgery conviction depends on several elements all working together. It’s up to the prosecution to prove that you acted with intent to defraud using forged documents, and your criminal defense will work alongside you to disprove those accusations.

Contact Our Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Don’t leave your criminal case up to chance. If you’re facing forgery charges, you need all the help you can get. Reach out to our accomplished legal professionals today, and see how May Law, LLP may help protect your tomorrow. The short-term and long-term legal consequences associated with a conviction can be life-changing. However, the practical consequences of a conviction can be just as life-altering. It’s therefore imperative to have an experienced attorney protecting your rights, advocating on your behalf, and constructing the strongest defense possible under the circumstances.