People are arrested on criminal charges every day in Virginia. Most of these arrests are justified. Occasionally, however, something has gone awry in the investigation and the wrong person has been
charged and arrested. If you are arrested for a crime, whether or not you believe you are guilty of a crime, call Altizer Law, P.C., immediately.
It is important to learn as much about the charges brought against you as quickly as possible. Virginia Criminal Cases should not be taken lightly. You need to bring your attorney on board as soon as possible. You need an attorney with experience in defending people charged with a crime. Our attorneys have that experience. When you are our client, we are on your side, and only on your side.
When you engage Bettina as your attorney, we will obtain a copy of the charges brought against you and the circumstances and events leading to your arrest. We will then discuss the charges with you to ensure we understand completely. We will begin to develop a defense strategy immediately.
Two Types of Virginia Criminal Cases
Virginia criminal cases are of two types: misdemeanor and felony offenses. A misdemeanor is considered less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors typically carry a sentence of a maximum of twelve months in jail. Driving under the influence (DUI), if it is a first offense, is considered a misdemeanor. Assault and battery and reckless driving are misdemeanors, as well.
Felony offenses are more serious and carry a heavier sentence from one year to life in prison to death for capital offenses. Serious drug crimes, property crimes, violent crimes, and second or third DUI charges are considered felony offenses. Also felony convictions have other repercussions – you can lose your right to vote and to own and carry a weapon.
Why is Reckless Driving a Misdemeanor?
Reckless driving is considered a traffic violation in many states. This is not true in Virginia, however. The difference between a traffic violation and reckless driving charges can be difficult to understand. Some of the driver actions that lead to a reckless driving charge in Virginia are:
- Driving more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit.
- Driving at a speed in excess of 80 miles per hour.
- Passing a vehicle on a curve.
- Failure to signal.
- Passing a stopped school bus.
- Drag racing.
- Aggressive driving.
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.
- Driving with faulty brakes.
Sex Crimes are Fiercely Prosecuted in Virginia
Of course, sex crimes are a serious matter in Virginia. They are so serious that even an act of attempted sexual aggression is likely to result in serious criminal charges. Conviction of a sex crime could carry a sentence of up life in prison depending on aggravating factors. Virginia sex offenses include rape, sexual battery, object sexual penetration, and indecent exposure. When sex crimes cross state lines, for example sex trafficking or child pornography, they become Federal Crimes and they are prosecuted in Federal Courts. A conviction of some sex crimes may require registration as a sex offender.
White Collar Crime
The phrase “white collar crime” refers to the attire of business people (or, they did a few years ago). These crimes are typically perpetrated for the financial gain of an individual or a group of people. These crimes may be brought in state courts or in federal court (when the victim is the U.S. government or an agency of some kind that receives funding from the government). These crimes include:
- Money laundering.
- Embezzlement
- Tax Fraud.
- Conspiracy
- Bribery
- Extortion
White collar crime is another category of criminal activity that is aggressively pursued and prosecuted in Virginia. Penalties for these crimes are typically severe.
Defense of Juvenile Crime
It is a very trying time for any parent when their child is arrested and charged with a crime. Most parents are simply not prepared to deal with the court system. When you hire Altizer Law, P.C., to help your family deal with a case of juvenile crime, you can be assured of our empathy and compassion, as well as an aggressive defense of your child to protect his or her future.
Types of Criminal Charges in Virginia
Many types of crimes are prosecuted in Virginia. These might include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Prostitution
- Sex Crimes
- Stalking
- Drug Crimes
- Assault and Battery
- Theft
- Gun Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Fraud
- White Collar Crimes
- Shoplifting
- Federal Crimes
- Manslaughter
- Homicide
- Criminal Abuse
- Solicitation
- Kidnapping
Why Call Altizer Law, P.C.
When you have been charged with a crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you need an attorney who will fight for you. You need an attorney who will listen to your account of the events leading up to your arrest. You need an attorney who is always and only on YOUR side. Everyone has the right to an attorney who will represent you with fierceness and tenacity. When you’ve been charged with a crime in Virginia, your first call should be to Altizer Law, P.C.