Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney
If you were arrested or are under investigation for a state or federal crime, you need to act fast in order to give yourself the best chance at reducing or beating the charges against you. Virginia imposes serious penalties for drug possession with the intent to sell, DUI felonies, domestic abuse, assault, theft, and robbery offenses, and it is in your best interest to take the charges set against you seriously. Don’t let a criminal record ruin your future. Act now by calling an experienced Richmond criminal defense attorney at MichieHamlett.
Drug Offenses
The United States’ war on drugs has led to millions of lives ruined over the past five decades since Richard Nixon dubbed drugs “public enemy number one.” Unfortunately, laws that overly penalize drug addiction—which is now finally being discussed as a health issue as opposed to a crime—are still resulting in mass incarceration. 46.5 percent of people behind bars are there for drug crimes (according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons)the most common being possession and possession with intent to sell or distribute.
Theft/Larceny
Theft, or larceny, carries a heavy penalty in Virginia. For example, theft of $1,000 or more from a store comes with a penalty of one year, minimum, in prison, with a maximum of two decades behind bars, according to § 18.2-95. Other serious types of theft, aside from larceny, include robbery and burglary, which are considered violent crimes.
Weapons Offenses
The second most common offense that incarcerated people are serving time for is weapons offenses. Common weapons offenses that we defend against include possession of an illegal firearm, unlawful discharge, use or possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime, unlawful concealed carry, and possession by a felon.
DUI and Other Driving Crimes
A DUI (driving under the influence) offense can result in serious fines, jail time, and the loss of your license. A second or third offense becomes even more costly, particularly when it comes to driver’s insurance. Other driving offenses that constitute misdemeanors or felonies include fleeing the scene of a collision, evading the police, reckless driving, and driving without insurance or a valid license.
Violent Crimes and Sex Crimes
Crimes of violence and sex crimes often have the harshest penalties and the longest prison sentences, particularly if the victim is a minor. Violent crimes include the following:
- Assault;
- Aggravated assault;
- Battery;
- Aggravated battery;
- Burglary;
- Robbery;
- Armed robbery;
- Grand theft auto;
- Domestic abuse; and
- Homicide.
Sex crimes include, though are not limited to, the following:
- Sexual harassment;
- Stalking;
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual assault of a minor;
- Possession of underage pornographic content;
- Statutory rape/sexual assault; and
- Indecent exposure.
Call a Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Not only could a criminal offense put you behind bars, but it has the potential to ruin your job or career, your personal relationships, and your standing within your community. An experienced Richmond criminal defense attorney will fight for your freedom to have the charges dropped or reduced. Call or fill out our online form MichieHamlett today to set up a free consultation.
