A criminal charge can have a profoundly lasting impact on your life. Fines, jail time, and relationship issues are possible outcomes of a conviction. Defending yourself against criminal charges is your right, and it is best accomplished with the assistance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
Understanding the Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal defense lawyer defends those charged with a crime.
Criminal defense lawyers protect client rights throughout the criminal justice process. A lawyer applies their knowledge, skills, and experience to help clients navigate one of the most stressful times in their lives.
A criminal defense lawyer typically provides the following services on behalf of their client:
- Case consultation and assessment: Learn the client’s story, examine and review evidence, and determine a defense strategy
- Legal advice: Explain charges, potential penalties, legal options, and the court process to the client
- Investigate: Collect evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts
- Plea bargaining: Negotiate a possible reduction in charges or penalties with prosecutors
- Court representation: Represent the client in hearings, motions, and trials. Advocate for acquittal or reduced penalties
- Post-court matters: Manages the appeal process and other post-court matters
Criminal charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. Some clients face multiple and various types of charges—the more serious the charge, the greater the risk of harsher penalties and an uncertain future.
The criminal court process is too complex to manage alone. If you face criminal charges of any kind, a Virginia criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you. Securing legal representation can alleviate your concerns and help you understand the process and your options.
Choosing the Right Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Poindexter & Wright Law provides a tailored defense strategy.
No criminal defense case is alike, making it imperative that you select a lawyer skilled in tailoring defense strategies.
At Poindexter & Wright Law, we apply our legal expertise to your case in the following ways:
- Interpreting your charges as they apply to Virginia laws
- Challenging improperly obtained evidence or investigating police misconduct
- Protect your rights and ensure your rights are respected
- Review whether you were tricked into self-incrimination
- Ensure law enforcement followed due process.
When it comes to criminal charges, courtroom experience is critical for your case. Presenting your case before a judge and jury requires skill and experience. Without those, defendants risk an unfavorable outcome and a very different future.
Poindexter & Wright Law offers more than just legal representation. Their attorneys also provide clients with emotional support and guidance.
Your attorney delivers objective support at a time when emotions are high. Criminal charges are stressful and serious matters. If you need a criminal defense lawyer, contact Poindexter & Wright Law today.
How We Help Criminal Defendants
Poindexter & Wright Law fights for you.
Anyone charged criminally is presumed innocent. It is the prosecution that has the burden of proof, which it must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
By implementing core strategies that address key elements of a criminal case, our attorneys work diligently to create reasonable doubt or to prove that a defendant’s actions are justifiable.
Reasonable doubt arises as a criminal defense attorney from Poindexter & Wright Law cites one or more of the following:
- Inconsistencies: Varying reports, statements, or evidence
- Unreliable witnesses: Cannot be trusted to be accurate, consistent, or trustworthy
- Mishandled evidence: Examples include lost, disposed of, or contaminated evidence
- Constitutional violations: Fourth Amendment (unreasonable search and seizure), Fifth Amendment (right against self-incrimination), Sixth Amendment (right to counsel), or 14th Amendment (due process and equal protection) violations.
Criminal charges with a justifiable action defense may include one of the following strategies:
- Self-defense: Self-protection left the defendant no choice but to commit the act.
- Insanity: The defendant does not have the mental capacity to understand their actions.
- Duress: A threat of violence or harm that caused the defendant to act.
- Entrapment: The argument that law enforcement trapped the defendant into committing the crime.
- Alibi: A defense that the accused was somewhere else when the crime occurred.
- Necessity: A defense that the defendant committed the act to prevent greater harm.
From misdemeanors to felonies, criminal charges are confusing for those unfamiliar with Virginia laws. Preparing for looming court dates is essential for countering the prosecution. A defense attorney needs time to develop a strategy that meets or exceeds what a prosecutor presents in court.
Strict rules of evidence and the key element of protecting your rights make securing legal representation immediately crucial. Poindexter & Wright Law helps those charged with violating Virginia laws and stands ready to review your case.
A criminal defense attorney gives you your best chance of defending your freedom, reputation, and future. Contact Poindexter & Wright Law today to get help with your Virginia charges.
FAQs
A Virginia criminal defense attorney answers frequently asked questions regarding criminal charges:
What are the potential consequences of not having a defense lawyer?
Not having a defense lawyer increases your risk of conviction. A lack of knowledge about evidence and procedure, as well as the potential for self-incrimination and the high stakes involved, make hiring an attorney paramount.
How soon should I hire a defense lawyer?
It is best to hire a defense lawyer immediately after being charged and arrested. An early start to your representation allows more time for preparing a strong defense.
Do I need a defense lawyer if my charges are minor?
Yes, hiring a defense lawyer for even minor charges is a wise decision. Any criminal conviction can harm your life, making strong legal representation vital for your case.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
There are four classes of misdemeanors in Virginia. Examples of misdemeanors in Virginia are public intoxication and DUI (first offense). Six classes of Virginia felony charges result in more severe penalties than misdemeanors. An arrest for any reason demands help from an experienced Virginia defense lawyer.
Will my case go to trial?
Not necessarily. Some cases are resolved through plea bargains, dismissals, or pre-trial diversion programs. A defense attorney guides you through the process, tells you what to expect, and provides timely updates.
A criminal charge of any type is a frightening experience. The emotional toll and uncertainty defendant’s face are understandable. Defense attorneys recognize the challenges and support clients throughout the legal process.
A free consultation with a criminal defense attorney is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how to proceed and ask questions specific to your charges and the details of your criminal case.
A Closer Look at Virginia DUI Laws
Virginia laws are strict with stiff penalties.
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is a serious, criminal matter. The blood alcohol content (BAC) maximum level is .08 percent for adults, .04 percent for those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and .02 percent for drivers under the age of 21 in Virginia.
Violation of Virginia DUI laws results in criminal charges that carry such penalties as license suspension, hefty fines, and possible jail time. Certain factors can result in additional charges or add stress to your situation, including:
- Open container
- Breathe test refusal
- Field sobriety test refusal
- Driving on a suspended license
A DUI charge may involve a drug charge in place of, or in addition to, an alcohol charge. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Virginia, and cannabis driving laws set substantial penalties for violators.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority outlines penalties similar to those associated with drunk driving. The repercussions, if convicted, can affect your career just as negatively as an alcohol charge.
Defending your reputation, along with protecting your relationships and career, is critical when faced with a DUI charge. Whether your charge is for drunk driving, drugged driving, or both, get help from Poindexter & Wright Law as soon as possible.
Poindexter & Wright Law
Virginia Defense Attorneys
Whether you face a driving under the influence (DUI) charge or another type of criminal charge, we may be able to help you. As experienced Virginia defense attorneys, we take great pride in our record of representing defendants during challenging times.
We offer free consultations for personal injury matters. For all other matters, we offer three options: 1) 15 minutes for $50.00; 2) 30 minutes for $100; 3) 1 hour for $150.00.
Have you been arrested and charged with a crime? If so, Poindexter & Wright are the right attorneys to help you on your journey. Now is the right time, so call us without delay.
You may feel overwhelmed by your situation, the legal process, and more. Now is not the time to learn the law on your own; rather, it is the time to seek help from those who understand Virginia laws and the court system.
While there is no way to predict the outcome of your case, Poindexter & Wright Law works hard to deliver quality client-centered care and an aggressive defense. Begin your legal journey with the help of a member of our team.
Contact Poindexter & Wright Law for more information today at (434) 260-6881.