Whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony crime, drug offense, traffic violation or any other matter in Fairfax County, you need a criminal defense lawyer that is navigating the Fairfax criminal court system. A good criminal lawyer has a lot of negotiating skills and could get your case dismissed or reduced.
During your consultation, ask your attorney how many cases similar to yours he has dealt with.
Arrests
When people are arrested for a misdemeanor in Fairfax, they may be issued a summons and released on their promise to appear in court or they might be taken into custody and placed into the detention center. Regardless, they will have a date to return to court, and it is important that they do so. Failing to do so could lead to a loss of any bond that was posted and the issuance of a bench warrant.
Having an experienced Fairfax criminal defense lawyer can help people avoid these serious consequences. A skilled attorney can help them challenge the evidence presented by prosecutors, arguing that they cannot prove that their client committed the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt. This may include addressing improper police procedures or mishandled biological evidence.
Pleas
When a person is charged with a criminal offense, they have the right to defend themselves or request that the court assign them a lawyer. At arraignment, the judge will decide whether to grant the requested representation and set a date for trial.
In addition, the defendant will have to decide how to plead at this point. A good Fairfax VA criminal attorney will discuss the options with the client and help them make a wise decision.
A plea agreement that your criminal lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor may include dropping charges, reducing a charge to a lesser crime, or agreeing on punishment. A judge is not obligated to accept any plea bargain that a defendant presents to them. At a recent CLE, General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations district judges mentioned instances where they or their colleagues reject such plea deals.
Trials
Each city and county in Virginia has a General District Court, which is where the vast majority of misdemeanor and traffic infraction cases are heard. It also hears some civil cases with a claim amount of $4,500 or less.
If a person is charged with a felony criminal case, it starts off in the General District Court, but it will be transferred to Circuit Court for trial. A felony preliminary hearing will also be held in the district court.
When it comes to a trial in Fairfax, your best defense is to have an experienced Virginia criminal or DUI lawyer on your side who is comfortable and familiar with the local courts. This includes arguing any motions that are outstanding before your trial date.
Judges
A well-educated, wealthy county with many high-powered jobs, Fairfax has a reputation for being one of the safest communities in Virginia. Nevertheless, criminal charges still occur, and sometimes people find themselves having to appear in court. A good Fairfax criminal lawyer can help minimize the effects of a conviction and ensure that the case is treated fairly. The Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor cases and hears preliminary hearings in felony cases. In addition, city courts exist to adjudicate traffic infractions and local ordinance violations.
If you are charged and given a court date, be sure to show up on time. Failure to do so could result in a failure to appear charge that could lead to arrest. The presiding judge in each court will determine the outcome of each case.
Lawyers
A Fairfax criminal defense lawyer could help you understand your rights and how the legal process works. It may be a shock to learn that you’re being charged with a crime, but the legal process is actually fairly standard and predictable.
A criminal case starts when you are arrested or when you receive a summons to appear in court for your arraignment. You must appear on your arraignment date with an attorney.
If you are facing criminal charges in Fairfax, you need a tough, hardworking lawyer who will work to minimize the impact of these accusations on your life. Contact a dedicated, skilled Fairfax criminal defense lawyer today to get started on your case. En Espaol.