This Memorial Day Weekend comes after a long, tough year for everyone. Between parties, bar-b-ques, late nights out, and traveling, some mistakes are likely to be made. In particular, you may find yourself facing a criminal charge in Virginia for one of the below offenses. Our Criminal Defense Lawyers are ready to help you. We can explain your charge, review the facts with you, learn more about the case, and explore your options.
Drunk in Public : Va. Code 18.2-338 ( Arlington County Code 17-7)
Drunk in Public or Public Intoxication is a Class 4 Misdemeanor. While this only carries a possible $250 fine and no jail time, a conviction will stay on your record. A criminal defense lawyer can negotiate your case if appropriate, or prepare to defend you at trial after reviewing the evidence.
Disorderly Conduct: Va. Code § 18.2-415
Disorderly Conduct is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia. This mean up to 1 year and jail and/or a $2,500 fine. This can be a bit of a “catch all” offense, and a Criminal Defense attorney can examine the Commonwealth’s case to see if they actually have the evidence they need to prove this case. Your attorney can also look into mitigation factors and look into possible resolutions including lesser charges, or dismissal.
Destruction of Property: Va. Code § 18.2-137
Destruction of Property is either a Class 1 Misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail and/or $2,500 fine) or a Class 6 Felony (up to 5 years incarceration and/or $2,500 fine). The level of offense is determined by the value of the damaged property. Anything over $1,000 is a Felony. Like with all offenses, a Criminal Defense Attorney can examine the evidence and see if the Commonwealth can actually prove their case. In a Felony case, there may be room to seek a reduction to a misdemeanor charge.
Assault & Battery: Va. Code § 18.2-57
Assault & Battery is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, with a possible sentence of up to 1 year in jail and/or $2,500 fine. While Assault & Battery can seem fairly straight-forward, there are legal defenses such as self-defense or defense of others that your attorney should consider.
DUI: Va. Code § 18.2-266
DUI is a serious charge, and the penalties can range based on if this is a first or subsequent offense, and what your alleged Blood Alcohol level was. This charge is somewhat technical, and your attorney can review the evidence to make see if everything was done right and the Commonwealth can actually prove their case. In many cases, there is room to negotiate for more reasonable or favorable outcomes, or your attorney can take your case to trial.
Federal DUI in the Eastern District of Virginia
In Northern Virginia, like much of the D.C Metro Area, there is a substantial amount of Federal Land and agencies. This means that it is not uncommon for drivers to end up with a Federal DUI charge. Common examples include Ft. Belvoir and other military posts, as well as the Pentagon, National Parks, and the GW Parkway. Because of the Pentagon’s location near many highways with confusing exists and sign, our neighbors in Maryland or D.C may find themselves accidentally being stopped by Pentagon police and charged with federal DUI. These charges are brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Northern Virginia Case
Mistakes happen. While the process can be intimidating, especially if you have never been charged with a crime, our attorneys are able to explain the what is happening and why, discuss your case with you, represent you in court, and work to get you the best possible outcome.
Our Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys are prepared to represent you in Alexandria, Arlington, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
