When you think of a criminal charge, your mind typically goes to the worst of the worst, like attempted murder or grand theft. However, there are other crimes that can land you with a criminal record, like disorderly conduct or being drunk in public. Being convicted of a crime in Virginia leads to some very harsh penalties that can change your entire life.
You may never be prepared for a criminal charge, and you never expect that a routine traffic stop can escalate so quickly. The good news is, you have options. Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. has years of experience protecting the rights of Virginia residents just like you. Our Chesapeake, Virginia criminal defense attorney has the skills to get you the best results. We will use creative arguments and do a thorough investigation to build a rock-solid defense.
As you may have guessed, criminal defense covers a lot of ground, and it is essential to know what is covered under this umbrella. Our criminal law experience includes:
Each of these can be classified differently as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Among those major classifications, there are also sub-classifications such as class 1 or class 6.
Depending on the classification of the criminal allegation will determine your possible penalties. As a general rule, an offense that is punishable by death or penitentiary is considered a felony. All other offenses can be considered misdemeanors.
Felonies are classified on a scale of class 1 to class 6. The lower the number, the higher the penalty. A class 6 felony conviction carries imprisonment of one to five years, fines of up to $2,5000, and both jail time and fines in some cases. A Class 1 felony carries a penalty of life in prison or death. Misdemeanors can be classified from class 1 to class 4. A class 4 misdemeanor has fines of up to $250, while a class 1 misdemeanor can carry 12 months in jail, a fine of $2,500, or both penalties.
A criminal charge can be challenging to face, but you do not have to face it alone. It is important to have a Chesapeake, Virginia, criminal defense attorney from Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. on your side. Call us at 757-742-6115 or fill out our online contact form.
