Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney

What to Do After Being Arrested for a Criminal Offense?

The moments following an arrest are critical, and your decisions can significantly impact your case's outcome's a guide on what to do after being arrested for a criminal offense:

• Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent: The right to remain silent is a fundamental privilege the Constitution grants. Exercise it. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's crucial to refrain from providing any statements without legal representation.
• Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately: Time is of the essence. The sooner you involve a skilled criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of building a robust defense. At Dischley Law, PLLC, our team is ready to provide prompt legal assistance.
• Avoid Self-Incrimination: Resist the temptation to explain your side of the story to law enforcement without your attorney present. Statements made in the absence of legal counsel may inadvertently jeopardize your defense.
• Do Not Consent to Searches Without a Warrant: You have the right to refuse a search of your person, vehicle, or property without a proper warrant. Politely assert this right to protect your interests.
• Understand the Charges Against You: A clear understanding of your charges is crucial. We will meticulously analyze the charges, ensuring you comprehend the potential consequences and available legal strategies.
• Preserve Evidence: Document any pertinent details about the incident, including names of witnesses, locations, and any other relevant information. This can be invaluable in building a strong defense strategy.
• Remain Calm and Cooperative: While asserting your rights is essential, maintaining a calm and cooperative demeanor is equally important. Any resistance or hostility can complicate the situation further.

FAIRFAX FELONY CRIMINAL DEFENSE

In Virginia, a person charged with a Felony on a warrant, has a statutory right to a preliminary hearing.  In Fairfax, that means your case will originate in the Fairfax General District Court or the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Felonies are very serious offenses and are classified as follows:

• Class 1: The most serious felony charges are punishable by life imprisonment and fines of up to $100,000. 
• Class 2: These crimes are punishable by fines of up to $100,000 and a prison sentence of 20 years to life. 
• Class 3: Felonies in this class also carry a maximum fine of $100,000 and potential imprisonment for five to 20 years. 
• Class 4: Class 4 felonies carry a possibility of fines and up to two to ten years imprisonment in a state facility. 
• Class 5: These are some of the most common felonies and if convicted, the punishment is up to 10 years in the penitentiary, or alternatively, up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. 
• Class 6: A conviction could result in one to five years in prison or, in the Court’s discretion, no more than 12 months in jail.
• Class U:  These are unclassified felonies that carry their own punishments.  For example, Larceny in Virginia is punishable by one year in prison up to 20 years.  Unclassified felonies carry its own punishment range which do not fit neatly into any of the above classifications.   

In Fairfax, you will have an arraignment in the Fairfax General District Court that will be held at 10:30 a.m. within a week or two of your arrest.  On that date, you will be given a date for your preliminary hearing which will be held at 2 p.m.  If the case is in Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, arraignments are held at 3:00 p.m. and trials are scheduled by the judge at various times. Preliminary hearings are just a probable cause hearing to see if the case will be certified to the Grand Jury. However, many cases can be negotiated and disposed of at the preliminary hearing, negating the need for the case to proceed to the Fairfax Circuit Court.  However, if the case is serious or unable to be resolved, the case will proceed to Circuit Court for further hearings and eventually a plea or trial. 

FAIRFAX MISDEMEANOR CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Unlike a Felony, Misdemeanors are tried in the Fairfax General District Court or the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (JDR Court).  Often, an arraignment will be held at 9:00 am or 9:30 am shortly after your arrest or 3 p.m. if the case is in JDR Court.  The case will then be set for trial at 9:30 a.m. (Reckless Driving cases are set directly for trial) in General District Court or in JDR Court, according to the Court’s schedule.  Misdemeanors, while less serious than felonies, still carry drastic consequences and are classified as:

• Class 1: The most serious misdemeanor charges can result in up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500. 
• Class 2: If convicted, a person could face up to six months in jail and fines of no more than $1,000. 
• Class 3: These misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $500 and no jail time. 
• Class 4: The least serious misdemeanor charges may be punishable by a fine of up to $250 with no jail time. 

Successfully defending a misdemeanor case, takes knowledge of the system and knowing what prosecutors, the police, and victims might consider adequate mitigation.  Also, each misdemeanor has its own legal issues that often can result in a positive result through negotiation or trial. 

FAIRFAX RECKLESS DRIVING CASES

Many people often wonder if they need a lawyer for a Reckless Driving case in Fairfax.  The simple answer is yes!  The attorneys at Dischley Law, PLLC have witnessed many people convicted of reckless driving in Fairfax that could have avoided a conviction by hiring a lawyer. Sometimes, it is possible to have your reckless driving case dismissed by challenging the actions of the Police Officer.  Often, negotiations with the prosecutor can result in the case being reduced to a simple traffic infraction or non-moving offense. 

The penalty for Reckless Driving is up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.00.  Additionally, the Court in Fairfax can suspend your license for up to 6 months. Reckless Driving is a class one misdemeanor.  Mitigation can be key to avoiding jail or getting the offense reduced. Also, the quality of a person’s driving record plays a major factor in these types of cases. 

Criminal Cases We Handle

If you have been accused of a crime, you could be facing severe consequences with the Court but also ancillary consequences with your employment, security clearance, and immigration. Dischley Law, PLLC believes that those accused of a crime deserve legal counsel with their best interests in mind. 

Our firm handles a variety of criminal law cases including: 

• Drug offenses
• Gun charges 
• Violent crimes
• Fraud
• Reckless driving
• Property and theft 
• Misdemeanors 
• Felonies 
• DUI/DWI
• Expungement 
• And more

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairfax Today

Our team of experienced and compassionate legal advocates works with clients to investigate their cases and determine the most optimal strategy. As a boutique firm, we tailor our services to fit the needs of our community while maintaining a personalized approach to each case. Our award-winning firm has a reputation for excellence, and we use our knowledge, strategy, and innovation to produce favorable results. 

Schedule your free initial consultation with our Fairfax criminal defense attorneys and entrust your case to a legal team that cares.