New Kent Criminal Lawyer

When a person is charged with a crime in New Kent County, Virginia, there are many things they need to understand about their charges and many possibilities that they need to consider moving forward. The individual will need to determine if they are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, and what the implications of that distinction are. An individual facing criminal charges will also need to determine what possible defenses they might have in court, and what penalties they might face if convicted of their offense. The most important first step that anyone facing criminal charges must take is to consult with a seasoned criminal defense attorney, who can help them understand their charges.

It is important that a person take all charges seriously and that they hire an attorney as early as possible to put themselves in the best position when they are facing criminal charges in New Kent.

Misdemeanors and Felonies

A misdemeanor is any crime with a penalty of a year or less whereas a felony is any crime punishable by more than a year. Some felony offenses do involve elements of misdemeanors, and some misdemeanors will involve elements of felonies. There are more felony offenses that include misdemeanor elements than vice versa. Some charges, like DUIs and assault charges, can begin as misdemeanors for first offenses, only for the same charge to elevate to felonies for repeat offenses.

Felonies are going to be treated more seriously and will be prosecuted with more vigor than misdemeanors in New Kent. Regardless of whether a person is charged with a criminal misdemeanor or felony, having the guidance of a New Kent criminal lawyer who is familiar with the local court system and prosecutors is incredibly valuable. Using their knowledge and experience, they can provide thorough assistance throughout the process.

Local Ordinances

Local ordinances can play a role in criminal cases by giving officers probable cause to stop, search, and arrest. Noise or parking violations are examples of local ordinances that could come up during a criminal case.

Types of Charges

Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction

There is up to a 12-month jail sentence that can be imposed on some misdemeanors. A conviction can affect security clearances, background checks, and driving privileges. Depending on the level of clearance, even a misdemeanor that leads to no jail time can negatively affect employment and security clearance. A conviction can also affect a person’s ability to testify in future court proceedings. Since Virginia is a hub for government work, having security clearance jeopardized is a huge burden and can seriously impact a person’s livelihood.

Benefits of Experienced New Kent Criminal Attorney

The earlier that a person facing criminal charges contacts an attorney, the more time they have to aid the individual in protecting their rights and interests. An attorney will be helpful at any stage in the process, however, the sooner they are involved, the more effective they can be.

It is important to note that requesting to speak to a criminal attorney in New Kent does not imply guilt. It is encouraged in the legal community for a person to speak with an attorney when they have been arrested or cited for any criminal offense.

An experienced criminal attorney knows the law, the area, and the best possible way to protect their client’s life and interests. A lawyer can help the client to understand all of these different aspects of their charges and their upcoming case. Depending on the specifics of the case, a lawyer may be able to get the individual’s charges dismissed, or at least the penalties mitigated.