If you were arrested or are under investigation for a state or federal crime, you need to act quickly to give yourself the best chance at reducing or beating the charges against you. Virginia imposes serious penalties for offenses such as drug possession with intent to sell, DUI felonies, domestic abuse, assault, theft, and robbery. It is in your best interest to take these charges seriously.
A skilled Richmond criminal defense lawyer at MichieHamlett can protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. Do not let a criminal record ruin your future—contact us today to get the legal help you need. We also take Title IX cases.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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:
Sex crimes include, though are not limited to, the following:
Not only could a criminal offense put you behind bars, but it also has the potential to damage your career, personal relationships, and standing within your community. An experienced Richmond criminal defense lawyer at MichieHamlett will fight for your freedom and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed. For immediate help, contact us today by phone or through our online form to set up a free consultation.
