If there’s a time in your life when you don’t want to risk navigating the legal system without an attorney, it’s when you’re facing criminal charges. At the Law Office of Steven D. Barnette, P.C., we know how serious criminal charges are and how disruptive a criminal charge and conviction can be for your future. If you are facing criminal charges, you don’t have to fight them on your own – our lawyers are here to help. To learn more about our legal services and what to do if you’re charged with a crime, call our law firm directly today.
Our Criminal Law Practice Areas
We work on a broad range of criminal law cases and feel confident in our ability to help you whether you are facing traffic violations, misdemeanor charges, or criminal charges. Types of criminal cases we work on include:
- Traffic offenses. If you’ve been charged with a traffic violation you may not think you need an attorney. While working with a lawyer is a personal preference, if you have received numerous violations and are at risk of losing your license, working with an attorney can help.
- Drunk driving. Drunk driving is a very serious offense in Virginia and one that can result in severe penalties if you are convicted. The best way to protect yourself when you are facing drunk driving charges is to hire a skilled drunk driving attorney.
- Drug crimes. Being charged with a drug crime can change your life, especially if there is a mandatory minimum associated with the offense. We can guide you through the laws related to use, possession, distribution, and manufacturer of controlled substances and ensure that you get a fair trial.
- Violent crimes. Violent crimes are strongly frowned upon in our state and aggressively penalized as such. If you have been charged with a violent crime, getting an attorney should be one of the first things that you do.
- More. Are you facing charges for another offense, such as theft, loitering, or something else? If so, please feel free to reach out to our law firm for guidance. If we can’t help you, we can refer you to someone who can.
Consequences You Face if Convicted of a Crime in Virginia
The penalties that you will have to deal with if you are convicted of a crime range based on your criminal history, the crime you committed, the efficacy of your defense, whether a plea bargain was reached, and more. In general, crimes can lead to the following penalties:
- Jail time
- Fines and fees
- Mandatory education or rehabilitation
- Community service
- Probation
- Loss of your driver’s license, professional license, or both
- Permanent mark on your criminal record
What to Do if You Are Charged with a Crime
If you’re charged with a crime, you may feel confused about your options and unsure of what to do. We know how scary facing criminal charges is. If you’re charged with a crime, important steps to take include:
- Remain silent and let the arresting officer know that you are exercising your Fifth Amendment rights;
- Do not refuse arrest, as this can only hurt your case;
- Hire an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that your attorney can start building your case as soon as possible; and
- Do not plead guilty during your arraignment hearing (your first appearance before a court where the charges against you will formally be read) unless you have talked to an attorney first.
If you are released but charges against you are still pending, it’s important that you avoid any behavior or activities that could complicate your crime or make you look worse before the judge. If you’re unsure what this means, please talk to our law firm to learn more.
Call the Law Office of Steven D. Barnette, P.C. Today
When you are charged with a crime, there is a lot on the line. If you are convicted, you may face long-term consequences even after you serve your sentence or pay your dues, such as difficulty in securing employment or/and a tarnished reputation. We now know what you’re up against, your fears, and how desperately you’re looking for a solution.
At the Law Office of Steven D. Barnette, P.C., our criminal defense attorneys in Virginia want to help you. We are passionate about what we do and dedicated to advocating for our clients. We will work hard for you regardless of the charges you’re facing and will commit to protecting your Constitutional rights, including the right to competent legal representation, above all else. Please call us today to learn more and start building your defense.