Criminal Defense in Virginia

Criminal Defense in Virginia

CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN VIRGINIA

Ms. Jeanne Brown, a former public defender, has served as lead counsel on many jury trials, helping criminal defense clients assert their innocence against a wide range of charges, with an extremely high rate of acquittals.  She has represented clients accused of crimes such as rape, robbery, malicious wounding, carjacking, vehicular manslaughter, murder, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and child sexual abuse.  She has experience representing juveniles certified to be tried as adults and negotiating blended sentences for children convicted as adults, allowing them to serve their sentences in a juvenile facility as opposed to going directly to adult prison as children. Ms. Brown is experienced in Appellate procedure and has written briefs and presented oral argument to both the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia.

When you call our office, the first thing we will do is schedule an initial consultation with Ms. Brown right away. First, you will learn what defenses may be available to you. Additionally, you will learn what to expect as your case proceeds through the criminal justice system. Don’t go it alone and don’t put your fate in the hands of an inexperienced attorney. Call today and put your mind at ease.

FEES FOR CRIMINAL DEFENSE SERVICES

It seems like most criminal defense attorneys ask for a large fee to represent someone regardless of how much time and effort is put into the case. As a prosecutor, Ms. Brown has always believed this was not fair.  First of all, every case is different and requires a different amount of time and effort. Second, clients should know exactly what they are getting for their money.

Because of these beliefs, Ms. Brown handles criminal cases on an hourly fee basis. Additionally, they provide you with a detailed estimate of the fees and costs tailored to your specific case. Every month you will receive a full accounting of all the work done in your case. Consequently, you always know what is happening in your case and where your money is going. And, even better, you only pay for the work that is actually done in your case.  As a result, your fee could be a lot less than the flat fee charged by other lawyers if your case is resolved without going to trial.

Based in Manassas, our criminal defense team works in courts throughout Virginia. We encourage you to contact us right away to protect your rights if you are — or may be — facing criminal charges.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY DEFENSE ATTORNEYS FOR MURDER AND OTHER SERIOUS CRIMINAL CHARGES

Violent offenses in Virginia are those offenses that cause serious threat or injury to another person and may involve the use of a deadly weapon. Punishments for such crimes are usually greater than twenty years and may even include a life sentence. Capital murder carries the possibility of a death penalty. Most violent offenses are investigated by an experienced detective and involve the use of eye-witnesses, physical evidence, photographs, examinations by experts including Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, or other medical personnel.

Common Virginia charges we have experience defending include:

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Carjacking
  • Breaking and Entering with a Deadly Weapon
  • Malicious Wounding

VIRGINIA CRIMINAL CHARGES: HOW WE CAN HELP

It is critical that the attorney you chose to represent you has experience in these types of cases. Farrell & Croft, P.C.’s criminal defense team has an insider’s perspective to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a criminal prosecution — which is critical to being able to successfully defend these accusations. You need an experienced litigator who can handle your case professionally and aggressively defend your rights.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We practice criminal law throughout Northern Virginia.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY DEFENSE ATTORNEYS FOR SEX OFFENSE CHARGES

Some sex offenses fall under the category of violent offenses and some do not involve contact with another person at all. For example, the simple possession of pornographic material involving a subject that is a minor (under the age of 18) is illegal even though the person possessing that image has had no contact with the person in the image. Sexual offenses also include the use of an electronic device to suggest a sexual act with a juvenile (again, someone under the age of 18). These offenses can be punished with not only a prison sentence but with being required to register as a sexual offender on the statewide registry maintained by the Virginia State Police.

Common Virginia charges we have experience defending include:

  • Rape
  • Aggravated Sexual Battery
  • Forcible Sodomy
  • Object Sexual Penetration
  • Indecent Liberties
  • Child Pornography
  • Use of an Electronic Device to Solicit a Minor

Many sex offenses take place in private which means that there generally aren’t a lot of eye-witnesses for the prosecution to rely upon to get their conviction. Instead, they must rely upon the word of the alleged victim or forensic evidence that has been seized by the police.

VIRGINIA SEX OFFENSE CHARGES: WE CAN HELP

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We practice criminal law throughout Northern Virginia.

JUVENILE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Any act that would be classified as a crime if the perpetrator were an adult is considered a delinquent act if committed by a juvenile in Virginia. Often referred to as juvenile offenses, common charges against teenagers and children include:

  • Possession of Alcohol
  • Possession or Distribution of Controlled Substances
  • Assault and Battery
  • Computer Harassment
  • Grand Larceny

PROCESS FOR JUVENILE CHARGES

Typically these cases do not begin with an arrest, but with the filing of a Petition in the Juvenile Court of the district where the crime allegedly took place. A juvenile that is alleged to have committed a delinquent act is typically offered an informal disposition on a first offense prior to a Petition being filed with the Court. This could require the completion of an educational class or participation in counseling of some sort. If the juvenile or the parents refuse to cooperate with the informal disposition, the Petition may be filed and the case may be brought to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The parents and juvenile will receive a summons to appear in Court served on them by the local Sheriff’s Department. Sometimes, this is the first a parent has heard that his or her child is alleged to have committed a crime. If the crime is serious or if the child has a prior record, the intake officer may issue a Secure Detention Order and hold the child at the Juvenile Detention Center pending the next court date.

VIRGINIA JUVENILE OFFENSES: HOW WE CAN HELP

When children are charged with committing a delinquent act, the stakes can be enormous. The filing of criminal charges can impact a child’s ability to attend public school, to remain at large in the community, and to participate in extracurricular activities. College prospects may be in jeopardy, as well. It’s important to consult with an attorney experienced in handling these types of charges.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Farrell & Croft, P.C.’s criminal defense team practices criminal law throughout Northern Virginia.

BEST DRUG & CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS IN MANASSAS

The use of many substances in Virginia is controlled by the state. A violation of these laws includes not only the use of drugs deemed to be without medicinal value, such has heroin and cocaine, but also the illegal use or possession of drugs that may have been legally prescribed.

Common Virginia drug charges include:

  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substances (such as Cocaine, Heroin, Oxycodone)
  • Distribution of Schedule I or II Controlled Substances
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances

VIRGINIA DRUG CHARGES: HOW WE CAN HELP

There are many steps involved in the successful investigation and prosecution of drug offenses that are often overlooked by defense attorneys. Prince William County criminal defense attorney Jeanne Brown has the experience of handling motions to suppress evidence based on illegal searches and seizures by the police and motions to suppress incriminating statements made by the accused. The United States Constitution guarantees individuals the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures; however, if this issue is not properly brought before the court prior to trial, that right may be lost.

If you or a family member are faced with charges involving the illegal use or possession of controlled substances, you need an attorney well versed in criminal law to aggressively defend your right to a fair trial.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Farrell & Croft, P.C.’s criminal defense team practices criminal law throughout Northern Virginia.