Criminal Defense in Arlington, Virginia

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by | November 2, 2021

The Arlington County Courthouse is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. If you are charged with a crime in Arlington, Virginia, it is important to hire a local Criminal Defense Attorney to defend you. Our attorneys take the time to learn about you and your case. No two cases are identical, and certainly, no two clients are identical. Our attorneys will listen to you, learn the facts of your case, and prepare the best factual and legal defense available. We will learn about you, and what your priorities are.

Criminal Cases in Arlington, Virginia

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are “lesser” criminal offenses. These range from Reckless Driving, to DUI, to Assault and Battery and certain Drug Crimes. A Class 1 Misdemeanor carries a possible sentence of up to one year in jail, and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Defending misdemeanors involves listening to you, the Client, and reviewing any discovery information provided by the Commonwealth. Misdemeanors may have certain resolutions available that can enable us to resolve your case with less risk. These include first offender programs and deferred dispositions.

Misdemeanors are tried in the Arlington General District Court. You do not have a right to Jury Trial in the General District Court. But, if you are convicted, you have a right of appeal to the Circuit Court, where you may elect for a Jury Trial.

Felonies

Felonies are more serious crimes, and carry sentences ranging from 1 year up to life in prison.

Felonies start out in the Arlington General District Court. This is where initial bond hearings are held. Certain pre-trial hearings may be held in the General District Court as well. Specifically, your Preliminary Hearing will be held in the District Court. This is a hearing to determine if there is Probable Cause to continue to a trial in the Arlington Circuit Court. This is a very low standard, and the Government commonly wins this hearing. The Preliminary Hearing is still very useful, though. First, it is a natural midpoint in your case, and typically if a plea is going to be worked out, it is at or before the Preliminary Hearing. Second, this is a great opportunity to cross-examine the Government’s witnesses, and learn about their case.

Your trial, if you choose to go forward with one, will be in the Circuit Court. You have a right to a Jury Trial, or you may choose to be tried instead by a Judge, known as a Bench Trial.

Your attorney will take the time to review all the evidence, an work with you to determine the best course of action. This may involve a plea, or it may very well mean going to trial, and fighting your charge. Your attorney should give you as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision.

Hire an Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney

Our Client-Focused Criminal Defense Team is prepared to represent you for your Arlington criminal charge. Contact Us to learn about how we can help you.