Newport News Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal charge can affect nearly every part of your life. Even a misdemeanor conviction can create problems with things like employment and housing opportunities. However, a felony charge carries even more serious consequences, including the possibility of significant prison time and the loss of some legal rights.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation in Newport News, it is important to take the situation seriously from the beginning. Our dedicated defense attorneys can answer your questions and help you explore your options. Reach out to a Newport News criminal defense lawyer today.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
Criminal charges come in many forms, and our team has faced all of them. If you’re facing charges, our Newport News defense attorneys can help you fight back in the following types of criminal cases.
DUI
Virginia treats driving under the influence charges seriously. A DUI conviction can result in fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, and jail time in some cases. The good news is that there are often strong defense options in these cases, like challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the admissibility of breath test results.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges may involve simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing offenses, or prescription drug violations. The penalties in these cases depend not only on the type and amount of drugs in question, but also on a defendant’s purpose for allegedly possessing them. Fighting these charges frequently comes down to challenges over the legality of searches of your home or vehicle.
Violent Crimes
Violent crime allegations often involve claims of assault, battery, domestic violence, robbery, or other offenses involving physical harm or threats. It’s often possible to challenge these charges by arguing that you acted in self-defense or the defense of others.
Theft and Property Crimes
Theft-related offenses can include everything from shoplifting to fraud. While some people assume these charges are minor, a conviction can create lasting consequences, especially when large amounts of money are involved. A Newport News criminal lawyer will often focus on financial documents and how those records were obtained by the police.
Juvenile Crimes
When a minor faces criminal allegations, the stakes remain high, and a conviction can affect educational opportunities and future prospects. The juvenile justice system operates differently from adult criminal courts, but the consequences can still be significant.
What Is the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors?
Criminal offenses generally fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Our Newport News defense attorneys could help you face charges for either type of criminal offense.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, but they should never be taken lightly. Depending on the charge, a misdemeanor conviction may result in as much as one year in jail on top of any additional fines or fees.
Felonies are more serious criminal offenses and carry substantially greater penalties. A felony conviction may result in lengthy prison sentences ranging from one year to the rest of your life. What’s more, being convicted of a felony will likely lead to the loss of your right to vote or own a firearm.
The classification of a charge matters because it influences the maximum penalties you might face. In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction from a felony charge to a misdemeanor offense, significantly reducing the potential consequences.
Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney in Newport News Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s critical that you speak with defense counsel as soon as possible. The right attorney can help you evaluate your options and fight back against these charges. Call today for a free case evaluation with a Newport News criminal defense lawyer with Price Benowitz.