Criminal Defense
If you are under investigation for a crime or have already been arrested, you may need to retain the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney at May Law, LLP to ensure your rights are protected. Our attorneys have decades of experience standing up to prosecutors and vigorously fighting for our clients.
Types of Criminal Charges
Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, our criminal defense attorneys understand that a criminal conviction can have a negative and lasting impact on your life, as well as the lives of your family members. A conviction can affect your ability to find employment, housing, and even obtain a secondary education. At May Law, LLP, we are well-versed in every aspect of criminal law and have expertise in defending clients against both federal and state criminal charges. Our attorneys have successfully represented thousands of clients, including cases based on the following charges:
Defending Against Criminal Charges
There are certain steps a skilled criminal defense attorney at May Law, LLP may take when representing a client who has been arrested and charged with a crime. The sooner a criminal defense attorney can begin building his or her case, the better chance the client may have to win. This is why it is so important to contact an attorney immediately after you have been arrested.
A seasoned criminal defense attorney will examine all the evidence that the police have collected. The attorney will investigate to confirm that all evidence was legally obtained. If the evidence was improperly obtained, or if there is insufficient evidence, the attorney may be able to have the charges dismissed. Depending on the circumstances of the case against you, your attorney may be able to have your case continued without a finding, or may negotiate a plea for a lesser charge. Rest assured, however, that your criminal defense attorney from May Law, LLP is ready to take your case to trial if necessary, and aggressively defend against the charges brought against you.
Our team of defense attorneys has faced prosecutors in all Northern Virginia jurisdictions, and throughout the Commonwealth. The trial skills gained from our breadth of experience enables our attorneys to anticipate many of the strategies that the prosecutor may try to use against you in your case.
Your Rights, Evidence, and Legal Defense Strategies
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you may be feeling overwhelmed—but you’re not alone. At May Law, LLP, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys understand how evidence, procedure, and legal strategy can determine the outcome of your case. Whether you need an experienced Arlington, VA drug crime lawyer or statewide representation in Virginia, our team is prepared to defend your rights with skill and dedication.
You Have the Right to a Fair Trial
Every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Our attorneys fight to ensure that your constitutional rights—such as the right to a fair and speedy trial—are upheld throughout every stage of the process.
Understanding Evidence in Your Case
In any criminal proceeding, the rules of evidence are critical. Not all evidence presented by the prosecution may be admissible, and some may have been obtained unlawfully. Our attorneys meticulously review all evidence and will file motions to suppress anything gathered in violation of your rights.
Types of Evidence We Examine:
Real evidence (e.g., weapons or clothing)
Documentary evidence (e.g., written statements)
Demonstrative evidence (e.g., visual models)
Testimonial evidence (e.g., witness statements)
We also evaluate circumstantial evidence, challenge hearsay, and explore whether any corroborating evidence supports your defense.
Motion to Dismiss
If your charges lack legal merit or involve procedural errors, our lawyers may file a motion to dismiss. Grounds for dismissal include expired statutes of limitations, improper service of documents, or lack of jurisdiction.
Civil vs. Criminal Burden of Proof
In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a significantly higher standard than in civil court. This gives our team the opportunity to raise doubt by exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Three Rules to Follow During and After an Arrest
Have you heard of the Miranda Warning? It is a brief description of your rights after an arrest that the arresting officer must read to the detained. This warning expresses the rights of every arrested individual, and it is extremely important that you pay attention if you are ever arrested. Here are tips that a criminal defense attorney at May Law, LLP is likely to suggest if you find yourself being placed into handcuffs:
Remain Silent
The first sentence of the Miranda Warning is, “You have the right to remain silent.” It is advice best taken. Anything you say after being arrested can be used during prosecution later. Therefore, every defense attorney will likely advise you to keep quiet once arrested, and even before. Aside from answering basic information, like name and address, there is no reason to explain anything else without an attorney from May Law, LLP present, regardless of how trusting the officers or detectives may seem.
Ask for an Attorney
Next, always ask for an attorney. While you may not qualify for a court-appointed attorney, you have a right to representation. If arresting officers continue to ask you questions after you are arrested, then just request a criminal defense attorney and say nothing else.
Remember to Remain Calm
Last, remember to remain calm and respectful, regardless of your feelings about the arrest. You will have your chance to state your concerns and opinions to an attorney. However, if you get confrontational during an arrest, it can further complicate your situation. It is possible that officers will charge you with resisting arrest, and if you are confrontational, the situation could get physical and risk further harm to you or others involved. When emotions are running high, people tend to act first without thinking, and being argumentative can quickly escalate to an assault charge. Therefore, be careful and remain calm.
Remember, no one wants to hurt anyone and police may just be doing their jobs – it is best not to complicate things. Arrests can be scary, and police can be intimidating, but you need to remember that you have rights and that you have the power, just as law enforcement does, to keep the situation from escalating. Bear in mind that body-worn cameras, dash cams, and bystanders with cell phones are constantly running and may also be used against you later on – so relax… you may be on camera!
If you find yourself in a situation that leads to an arrest, stay calm, keep quiet and request a criminal defense attorney from May Law, LLP. Remember that a tense situation requires level heads to maintain composure and avoid mistakes. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a criminal defense attorney from our law firm in your contacts (703-312-0410, 24-7 call backs in emergencies), so if you find yourself in a bad situation, you always have someone to call.
Why Hire a Criminal Lawyer from May Law, LLP?
When you’re facing criminal or traffic-related charges, working with a trusted legal team can make all the difference. At May Law, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of trials since 1995 and bring more than legal knowledge to the table—we bring strategy, experience, and strong advocacy.
Reduce Penalties
Whether you’re facing jail time, fines, or license suspension, our attorneys will work to reduce penalties where possible. For example, in DUI cases, we often negotiate with prosecutors to avoid incarceration, especially for first-time offenders with no prior record.
Protection from Police Interrogation
Law enforcement officers are trained to obtain confessions, sometimes by appearing sympathetic. Having a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer from May Law, LLP present during questioning ensures your rights are protected and that you aren’t led into saying something that may later be used against you.
Experience That Works for You
Our attorneys know how to build a strong, effective defense. We carefully examine the evidence, identify any gaps in the prosecution’s case, and use those weaknesses to your advantage—whether that means reducing charges or seeking a dismissal.
Emotional Support and Guidance
Being charged with a crime is frightening and isolating. We’re here not only to defend you but to help you cope. Clients trust us for both legal representation and the support they need throughout the legal process.
Strong Courtroom Representation
Facing a judge or jury can be intimidating, but having an experienced lawyer by your side can make all the difference. We’ll prepare you for what to expect, keep you informed, and speak for you when it matters most.
At May Law, LLP, we offer free initial consultations on criminal and traffic defense matters. Don’t delay—speak with a lawyer before making any decisions that could impact your future.
Contact a Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with drunk driving, domestic violence, drug possession, reckless driving, or any other crime, (large or small), contact the law firm of May Law, LLP today. When a bad verdict is handed down, it will be too late to say, “I should have called May Law!” Our attorneys are available to meet with you virtually or in-person to discuss the details of your case and explain what your defense options may be. Contact a professional criminal defense attorney at (703) 312-0410, or if you prefer, you can fill out the contact form found on our May Law, LLP law firm website.