Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys with 50 Years of Courtroom Experience

The state of Virginia is notorious for being tough on crime. The legislature codified all felonies and misdemeanors in the Virginia Annotated Code. These offenses are categorized based on severity of offense. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes and carry the lightest sentences, whereas felonies involve severe harm and can be punished by anywhere from 1 year in prison to the death penalty.

Regardless of whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Virginia, you need to seek the guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. Criminal prosecution is incredibly stressful and intimidating, and only an experienced defense attorney will be able to properly guide you through the process. The Stellute Law Firm understands how traumatic and trying a criminal prosecution can be. Entrust your criminal case with The Stellute Law Firm, and we will assist you with understanding why you were arrested, exploring your legal options, investigating your case, and advocating for your constitutional rights in court.

For a free, no-obligation initial consultation, contact The Stellute Law Firm now at (757) 722-2815.

Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is a less-serious criminal offense that is characterized by a maximum period of incarceration of less than 1 year in jail. While most misdemeanors do have victims (also known as complaining witnesses), these offenses are generally less heinous and/or less violent than felonies.

Common Misdemeanors that we handle include:

Virginia misdemeanors are divided into 4 classes: 1, 2, 3, and 4. The most serious form of misdemeanor is the class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Domestic violence assault is one form of class 1 misdemeanor.

Class 2 misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of up to 6 months jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Class 3 and 4 misdemeanors carry only fines as maximum sentences. Possession of an open container of alcohol is one such misdemeanor.

Felonies
The felony designation is usually reserved for the more severe and heinous crimes. Virginia felonies vary more widely in potential maximum sentences than the misdemeanors do. Felonies are often violent crimes or crimes that cause immense harm, such as economic harm, to victims.

Some of the felony charges that we defend against include:

As with the misdemeanors, felonies are divided into classes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. Class 1 felonies are the most heinous, such as murder. These felonies face life in prison or the death penalty.

Class 2 felonies face up to 20 to life and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

Class 3 felonies face state prison terms ranging from 5 to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

Class 4 felonies face 2 to 10 years in state prison and/or up to $100,000 in fines.

Class 5 felonies carry maximum sentences ranging from 1 to 10 years in state prison and/or up to $2,500 in fines.

Finally, class 6 felonies carry maximum sentences ranging from 1 to 5 years in state prison and/or $2,500 in fines.

Protect Your Rights with Our Experienced Hampton Roads Criminal Defense Attorneys
The U.S. Constitution affords you certain rights, and you do not lose these rights simply because you are being criminally prosecuted. The Stellute Law Firm can educate you on your rights, review your charges, investigate the case, craft a defense theory, and argue your side in court.

Protect your rights and Protect your future by calling The Stellute Law Firm at (757) 722-2815 to schedule an appointment right now.