Virginia criminal defense attorneys regularly defend criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia. The state and federal criminal codes both present very complicated challenges for criminal lawyers. If you’ve been charged with a federal crime or are investigating a potential federal case, you need an experienced professional with practical expertise to handle your case.
Virtually all criminal defense attorneys use the same standard of evidence to win a case: “innocent until proven guilty.” This means that when the state provides proof beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant is guilty of a given criminal offense, the defendant must still be able to prove that they are not guilty. Virginia courts will only admit evidence that makes a reasonable person conclude that their opponent is guilty of the charged crime. This means that even if a person has been accused of a criminal offense, they may be able to raise a reasonable doubt about the innocence or guilt of the charge and defeat the prosecution’s case.
In Virginia, unlike most states, the Commonwealth requires a defendant to post bail before being released from jail after posting a bond. Most people arrested for a felony are often held in prison awaiting trial. Even when a defendant does not appear in court, or appears in poor health, or is on parole, the prosecution may continue to seek the defendant’s return for further proceedings. The fact that a person arrested for a criminal offense in Virginia is required to post bail ensures that their legal rights are not violated.
Defending someone who has been arrested for a criminal charge in Virginia requires an experienced attorney. Unfortunately, many defendants mistakenly believe that they choose between facing a criminal charge and going to prison. They, therefore, do not hire an attorney until they get a chance to see whether they will be able to get the charges dismissed. Therefore, when you hire an attorney, the first thing to do is meet with them to discuss the options open to you.
Virginia criminal defense attorneys work together with other experts on the type of charges a client is being charged with. Then, they investigate the evidence against their client and look for ways to use it to get their clients freedom from such charges. A skilled Virginia attorney knows how to effectively build a defense based on the details and evidence against their client. Together, they can present their clients’ side of the story to the prosecutor and convince the jury to acquit or reduce the charges.
Virginia criminal law is complex, and any person who faces criminal charges must understand the complicated nature of the charges and the laws surrounding them. A Virginia criminal defense attorney must explain the different types of crimes and what they mean under the common law. The attorney also should know the state’s specific laws related to white-collar crimes and other serious offenses. They should also have relevant experience in handling cases that are similar to the one being charged. Virginia criminal law is a lot more strict than federal or state law because it is set primarily within the circuit court’s jurisdiction. In addition, because it deals with the state and its citizens, judges usually give stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
In contrast with federal cases, people facing criminal charges in Virginia are considered innocent until proven guilty. This gives defendants more options when it comes to fighting their criminal charges. Therefore, defense lawyers must educate themselves about the various options to fight their client’s charges. Some Virginia criminal defense attorneys offer free consultation services to help their clients investigate and prepare their defense.
A fair trial is possible in Virginia, even if the defendant does not have a perfect background. If they have not hired a competent and experienced lawyer, a conviction can still be granted. A conviction for serious offenses such as drug possession, DUI, drug trafficking, rape, armed robbery, and murder can carry stiffer penalties and stiff jail terms. A conviction for lesser crimes can result in probation, community service, or jail time. Therefore, a lawyer with experience fighting for clients who have been convicted of crimes carries the most significant advantage in court.
