Misdemeanor Lawyer Arlington VA

Have you been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Virginia? Contact a misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA immediately. Depending on the class of misdemeanor you were charged with, you may be facing up to a $2,500 fine or a 12-month jail sentence. Virginia takes criminal offenses very seriously, even misdemeanors! Don’t procrastinate. A skilled misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA will help you defend your rights and freedom.

In Virginia, a misdemeanor is an offense punishable by fine not exceeding $2,500, or a term not exceeding 12 months in jail, or a combination of jail and fine within these limits. Upon conviction, a criminal record follows. In Virginia, misdemeanors are classified as Class 1, 2, 3, or 4. A misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA understands the best way to navigate these kinds of charges and will help you in a difficult situation.

A misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA knows that a Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor in Virginia. It is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, or both. Both traffic and criminal offenses can be a Class 1 misdemeanor. Examples are assault & battery, domestic violence, petit larceny, reckless driving, and DWI. If you were charged with any of these crimes, call a misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA now for a free consultation.

A Class 2 misdemeanor is less serious than Class 1, but it is still very serious. A misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA will explain to you that a Class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Examples are possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and aggressive driving. A misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA will defend you against these charges and fight for the best possible outcome.

Class 3 misdemeanors, while still serious, do not involve jail time. For example, a Class 3 misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $500, but no jail time. Possession of a schedule V controlled substance is a Class 3 misdemeanor in Virginia. Similarly, Class 4 misdemeanors also do not involve jail time. A Class 4 misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $250, but no jail time. Examples include public intoxication and possession of a schedule VI controlled substance.

Even if you are only charged with a Class 3 or 4 misdemeanor, however, you should still contact a misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA as soon as possible. Why? Because even though a conviction might involve only a fine, a misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA understands that this conviction will stay on your criminal record indefinitely. You may have to disclose it to potential employers, on security clearance applications, or to other individuals. It is always better to keep any misdemeanor conviction off your record if at all possible, and an experienced misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA will put you in the best possible position to defend against such charges and seek an acquittal.

Or, if acquittal is not likely, a skilled misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA may be able to negotiate a resolution of your case that would not involve a criminal conviction—for example, perhaps negotiating some kind of community service or other court disposition that will not impact your permanent criminal record. Every case is different, so there are no guarantees—but a good misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA may be the best chance you have for a good result.

If you were charged with a misdemeanor, you should take it very seriously! A criminal conviction could have lifelong consequences. Contact our experienced misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA at May Law, LLP. Our misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA will meet with you for free with no further obligations. Call us now at (703) 312-0410 for a free consultation.

What should I do if I am charged with a crime or arrested?

If you are being arrested, it is important to remain cooperative with the police offers and not fight back. However, before answering any questions you should ask to speak with an Arlington misdemeanor lawyer first. If you try to talk yourself out of the arrest or resist the officers, you could be making things much worse for yourself. You will also want to contact a trusted and experienced criminal defense lawyer. It is important to find someone that specializes in criminal law because the choices you make at the beginning of the case, will have an impact on the outcome. At May Law LLP, we specialize in criminal defense cases and can fight to protect your rights.

What is a plea bargain and should I accept it?

A plea bargain is when your misdemeanor lawyer in Arlington VA from May Law LLP and the prosecution try to negotiate a resolution on your criminal case. It will depend on the circumstances and the case, but a plea bargain may be the best legal option. You and your lawyer should carefully consider all of the options and examine the evidence before agreeing on a plea bargain. A misdemeanor lawyer knows if a deal is good and can help fight for your best possible outcome.

What is a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is when the crime you are being charged for has a maximum sentence of 1 year in the county jail. A Arlington, VA misdemeanor lawyer from May Law LLP is able to discuss your case and let you know if your case falls within this category.

What is a felony?

Felonies are much more severe than misdemeanors. They can lead to very long jail time and high fines. Some examples may include:

• Burglary
• Domestic violence
• Arson
• Murder
• Rape

Each case is different and the extent of punishment is addressed accordingly.

Am I able to expunge my record?

Getting your arrest and conviction expunged is determined based on the crimes and offenses held against you. Not all records can be expunged. Having your record clean can help get your life back on track, and our attorneys can guide you through the legal steps of this process if your case qualifies.

What are my rights after an arrest?

After an arrest, you still have rights that you should be aware of. Two of the main rights you have immediately after an arrest are the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If a police officer is trying to pressure you into talking, your rights are being violated. Providing statements to the police before consulting an attorney can become a costly mistake that you should try to avoid. You want to stay respectful to the officers but also know that you have a right to speak with your lawyer before answering any substantive questions.

How do I choose the right Arlington, VA misdemeanor lawyer?

Finding the right misdemeanor lawyer is absolutely critical when facing the possibility of fighting criminal charges. Your search for an attorney should include someone that:

• Has extensive experience
• Track record of successful results for their clients
• An attorney that will devote time and energy into your case

Since,1995, May Law LLP has worked diligently to help right for the rights of our clients. Contact our firm today to set up a free initial consultation with a misdemeanor lawyer Arlington, VA clients recommend and find out how we can help.

Arlington Misdemeanor Infographic

Self-Defense as a Defense

Depending on the crime you are charged with, your Arlington VA misdemeanor lawyer may determine that you were defending yourself. The definition of self-defense is the right to stop someone from harming you by applying an adequate amount of counter-force. Sounds pretty basic; however, when applied to specific situations the meaning can become a bit cloudy.

For example, if you are defending yourself from being physically harmed, what amount of force is considered appropriate and legal? What if you were the one to initiate the attack? At what point should you retreat from the attack if you can? What if there is a perceived threat and you respond even if you were never attacked?

The rules may differ depending upon the jurisdiction. Contact a Arlington VA misdemeanor lawyer for specific regulations in Virginia. When defending a self-defense claim when you are being tried for a criminal offense the court will address the following questions:

Was the Threat Imminent?

If you are defending yourself by using force because you are currently being threatened, even it the threat is verbal, the self-defense claim could be justified. This is also true if you are verbally threatened with physical harm. However, if someone just uses words that offend you and do not threaten you with physical harm, it does not give you the right to harm them and then claim you were acting in self-defense.

There is a difference between self-defense and retaliation. If you are assaulted and then your assaulter leaves and the threat is no longer valid, it is not considered self-defense if you then go after your assaulter and harm them.

Was Your Fear of Being Harmed Valid?

The court uses the concept of a ‘reasonable person’ when determining whether or not the fear of being harm was justified.  Would a ‘reasonable person’ react in the same manner in the same situation. It’s not a perfect analogy and is subjective based on the particular situation, but it is a good yardstick for the court to use when judging how the ‘average’ person perceives an imminent threat and their reaction to that threat.

Imperfect Self-Defense

Imperfect self-defense is when someone perceives a threat that was not really a threat and harms the person they feel is a danger to them. If you were to start an altercation and the other person fights back, you then fear for your life and unintentionally kill the other person in an attempt to protect yourself, you may be able to claim self-defense. This will not get you off for killing the other party; however, you may get less of a sentence because of the circumstances.

Contact a Arlington VA Misdemeanor Lawyer

There are certain circumstances where self-defense becomes a valid response to what you perceive to be an imminent threat to your life. Each situation is unique and how much force you may or may not be entitled to use can complicate the case. Enlisting the help of an experienced misdemeanor lawyer Arlington VA clients recommend from May Law LLP is necessary to make sure your rights are protected. Your misdemeanor lawyer will work for you, defending your self-defense case, enlisting the assistance of expert witnesses, conducting investigations into the incident, and ensuring every aspect of the case is properly portrayed in court.

Arlington Misdemeanor Statistics

Misdemeanors constitute a significant portion of the U.S. criminal justice system. Estimates suggest that approximately 13 million misdemeanor cases are filed annually in state courts.

While not all result in convictions, this figure underscores the prevalence of misdemeanor offenses. Misdemeanors, which are criminal offenses punishable by no more than one year in jail or prison, account for about 80 percent of American criminal dockets.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you could still face jail time if convicted, depending on the circumstances of the case. Call an Arlington misdemeanor lawyer for legal help.

Misdemeanor FAQs

If you have been charged with a crime, it’s important to speak with an Arlington, VA misdemeanor lawyer because – depending on the circumstances – even a misdemeanor charge can result in jail time if you are found guilty. Call May Law, LLP today to find out how we can help.

What Are Misdemeanor Crimes?

Misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are less serious than felonies but still carry legal penalties. These crimes are typically punishable by fines, probation, community service, or a short-term jail sentence, usually less than a year. The specific punishment depends on the severity of the crime, state laws, and any prior criminal history. Misdemeanors can be classified into three general categories: Class A, B, and C, with Class A being the most serious. Common examples of misdemeanor crimes include theft, assault, vandalism, and drug possession.

What Are Some Common Types Of Misdemeanor Crimes?

Several types of misdemeanor crimes are commonly committed. These include:

• Theft and Shoplifting: Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Shoplifting, a specific type of theft, occurs when someone steals merchandise from a retail store. Misdemeanor theft offenses usually involve items of lower value, with penalties including fines, restitution, or short-term jail sentences. In some cases, the value of the stolen property can elevate the crime to a felony.
• Assault and Battery: Misdemeanor assault generally involves the intentional threat of violence or harm to another person, while battery involves actual physical contact. In simple assault or battery (as opposed to aggravated forms), the charges are often classified as misdemeanors. Penalties include jail time, probation, fines, or mandatory anger management counseling.
• Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, but when it involves a first offense with low blood alcohol content (BAC), it may be classified as a misdemeanor. Convictions for DUI/DWI typically result in fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and, in some cases, jail time.
• Drug Possession: Possessing illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription can result in misdemeanor charges, depending on the type and amount of the drug. First-time offenses or small quantities may lead to misdemeanor charges, with penalties ranging from fines and probation to short jail sentences. However, certain drugs or larger quantities may result in felony charges.

How Are Misdemeanor Crimes Categorized?

Misdemeanor crimes are usually classified by their severity into different categories. Each category corresponds to a level of punishment:

• Class A Misdemeanors: These are the most serious types of misdemeanors. Offenses include theft of higher-value property, assault with minor injuries, or second-offense DUI/DWI. Convictions can result in a maximum jail sentence of up to one year, substantial fines, and other penalties, such as mandatory counseling or community service.
• Class B Misdemeanors: These offenses are less severe than Class A misdemeanors but still carry significant consequences. Common examples include simple assault, first offense DUI/DWI, and petty theft. Depending on the offense, punishments may include up to six months in jail, fines, probation, or community service.
• Class C Misdemeanors: These are the least serious misdemeanors and typically involve minor offenses such as disorderly conduct, minor traffic violations, or public intoxication. While Class C misdemeanors generally do not result in jail time, offenders may face fines, probation, or other alternative penalties like community service.

Some states also have “infractions,” which are even less severe than Class C misdemeanors and typically involve non-criminal offenses like traffic tickets or littering.

What Penalties Can Someone Face If Convicted Of A Misdemeanor?

The penalties for misdemeanor convictions vary depending on the severity of the crime, state laws, and other factors like prior criminal history. Generally, penalties for misdemeanors can include:

• Jail Time: A common punishment for serious misdemeanor crimes is jail time, though these sentences are usually less than one year. For example, a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor might result in up to 12 months in county jail, while a Class B misdemeanor might lead to six months or less.
• Fines: The court may impose a fine on the convicted individual in addition to or instead of jail time. Fines vary based on the offense, and some misdemeanants might be required to pay restitution to victims. For example, a shoplifter might have to pay a fine and compensate the store for the stolen goods.
• Probation: Probation is a common alternative to jail time, particularly for those convicted of less serious crimes or first-time offenders. During probation, the individual must comply with specific conditions, such as attending counseling, staying employed, or avoiding further legal trouble. Violating the terms of probation can result in harsher penalties.
• Community Service: In many cases, convicted individuals are ordered to complete a set number of community service hours as part of their sentence. This is often used for less severe offenses or first-time offenders and serves as a way to give back to the community.
• Counseling and Classes: For certain offenses, particularly those involving alcohol or anger management, the court may require the individual to attend counseling or rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to help address underlying issues that contributed to the crime, such as substance abuse or emotional instability.

Penalties for misdemeanor crimes aim to be proportionate to the offense. However, they can still have lasting consequences on an individual’s life, including a criminal record, which can affect future employment and other opportunities.

May Law, LLP, Arlington Misdemeanor Lawyer

3033 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Call Our Defense Law Firm Today

No matter the crime you have been arrested for, do not delay contacting May Law, LLP to find out how an Arlington misdemeanor lawyer can defend you against these charges. The longer you wait, the harder it can become to collect evidence and build a solid defense against the case the prosecutor may be building against you.