Criminal Law
PRACTICE AREAS
Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer
Helping Clients in Manassas, Prince William County, and Surrounding Areas Facing Criminal Charges
If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime for the very first time, every aspect of the criminal justice system is likely an unfamiliar and daunting experience. On the other hand, if you face new charges and have any kind of prior arrest or criminal record, you might be even more afraid, specifically of the consequences a conviction might bring.
A successful criminal defense strategy requires the ability to figure out every option available to a client as quickly as possible, make effective arguments to prosecutors and judges, and know when a plea agreement is a better option to pursue than taking a case to trial. At The Manassas Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience helping people in Virginia through every stage of criminal proceedings. Whether you need a local or federal criminal defense lawyer to walk you through the process or are looking for an aggressive advocate to resolve your case quickly, we can help.
To speak with one of our Manassas, VA attorneys, call us at (703) 361-8246 or reach out to us online to set up a free consultation today.
Types of Criminal Charges We Take On at MLG
Felony or misdemeanor, first arrest or repeat offender, our Manassas criminal defense lawyers will fight on your behalf. With decades of combined experience litigating criminal cases in Northern Virginia and beyond, our legal team knows what it takes to help you secure the best possible outcome for your individual case, whatever that may be.
Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing all felony and misdemeanor charges in Virginia, including:
Case Types
Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated (DUI and DWI)
DUI is defined as driving or operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Virginia Code Section 18.2-266 also includes driving a vehicle with certain levels of drugs in your system, including marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal substances.
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-270, first-offense DUI charges in Virginia are a Class 1 misdemeanor. A First Offense DUI conviction can result in jail time, license suspension for one year, fines, court costs, and probation. Future employment and education opportunities may also be affected by having a DUI on your record.
Traffic Violations
At MLG, we represent clients in court for all traffic violations, including but not limited to:
- Speeding (Virginia Code Section 46.2-870)
- Reckless Driving by Speed (Virginia Code Section 46.2-826)
- Reckless Driving (Virginia Code Section 46.2-854)
- Hit-and-Run Accidents (Virginia Code Section 46.2-894)
- Driving With a Suspended License (Virginia Code Section 46.2-301 or Virginia Code Section 18.2-272)
- And other traffic violations
If you were charged with reckless driving or received a speeding ticket or other traffic ticket in Manassas, VA, contact an experienced Manassas traffic violation defense attorney at our law firm today. We will answer any questions you may have and help determine whether your traffic violation warrants the representation of an attorney.
Domestic Violence Assault and Battery of a Family/Household Member
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-57.2, domestic violence in Virginia covers assault and battery against a member of your family or household. This offense is frequently referred to as “domestic assault” or “domestic assault and battery.” These offenses include the assault and battery of a spouse, ex-spouse, immediate family member, or someone with whom you have a child. In addition to assault and battery, domestic violence charges can also include allegations of violating a protective order, stalking, communication of threats, strangulation, abduction, and even rape. The offense must be committed against one of the following:
- Spouse
- Former spouse
- Roommates or anyone living in your household
- In-laws, if you live in the same residence
- Anyone you lived with within the last year, as well as their child/children
Violent Crimes
There are a variety of violent crimes that one may be charged with, and each crime could result in very serious penalties if convicted. At the Manassas Law Group, our violent crime defense attorneys handle cases such as:
- Assault and Battery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-57)
- Assault and Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer (Virginia Code Section 18.2-57)
- Abduction/Kidnapping (Virginia Code Section 18.2-47)
- Murder/Homicide (Virginia Code Section 18.2-30, 18.2-32, 18.2-35, and 18.2-36)
- Robbery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-38)
- Domestic Assault and Battery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-57.2)
- Unlawful Wounding (Virginia Code Section 18.2-51)
- Malicious Wounding (Virginia Code Section 18.2-51)
Sex Crimes
Virginia law (Title 12.2, Chapter 4, Article 7 of the Code of Virginia) imposes harsh penalties for sex crimes. There are a variety of sex crimes in Virginia. Some of the more common types of sex crimes we handle include:
- Rape (Virginia Code Section 18.2-61)
- Carnal Knowledge of Minors (Virginia Code Section 18.2-64.1)
- Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child (Virginia Code Section 18.2-370)
- Object Sexual Penetration (Virginia Code Section 18.2-67.2)
- Aggravated Sexual Battery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-67.3)
- Incest (Virginia Code Section 18.2-366)
- Statutory Rape (Virginia Code Section 18.2-61)
- Child Pornography (Virginia Code Section 18.2-374.1:1)
- Infected Sexual Battery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-67.4:1)
- Prostitution or Solicitation (Virginia Code Section 18.2-346.01)
- Attempted Sex Crimes
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes in Virginia can be found in Title 18.2, Chapter 7, Article 1 of the Virginia Code. The penalties for drug crimes in Virginia are extremely harsh. Some of these include but are not limited to:
- Drug Possession (Virginia Code Section 18.2-250)
- Drug Distribution (Virginia Code Section 18.2-248)
- Drug Manufacturing (Virginia Code Section 18.2-248)
- Drug Trafficking (Virginia Code Section 18.2-248.01)
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct in public places is outlined in the Code of Virginia § 18.2-415. Drinking too much or being under the influence of drugs can make people behave out of character. In some cases, they may even cause a public disturbance including but not limited to unruly, obnoxious, or profane conduct in a public place. Even when alcohol or drugs aren’t involved, disorderly conduct is a crime in Virginia.
Theft Crimes
There are different elements and legal consequences for theft charges in Virginia, as highlighted in Title 18.2, Chapter 5, Article 3 of the Virginia Code. At Manassas Law Group, we represent those accused of the following theft crimes:
- Shoplifting (Virginia Code Section 18.2-103)
- Grand Larceny (Virginia Code Section 18.2-95)
- Petty Larceny (Virginia Code Section 18.2-96)
- Robbery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-58)
- Burglary (Virginia Code Section 18.2-89)
- Concealing Stolen Property (Virginia Code Section 18.2-108)
- Obtaining Money by False Pretense (Virginia Code Section 18.2-178)
- Credit Card Theft (Virginia Code Section 18.2-192)
- Credit Card Fraud (Virginia Code Section 18.2-195)
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are defined as “crimes involving fraud” under Title 18.2, Chapter 6 of the Virginia Code. This is because white-collar offenses involve dishonesty and deceit which makes them unique from other offenses or property crimes. Some crimes that are generally classified with white-collar crimes include:
- Bribery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-447)
- Embezzlement (Virginia Code Section 18.2-111)
- Extortion (Virginia Code Section 18.2-59)
- Forgery (Virginia Code Section 18.2-172)
- Money Laundering (Virginia Code Section 18.2-246.3)
- Perjury (Virginia Code Section 18.2-434)
Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile offenses can be located under § 16.1-278.8 of the Code of Virginia. At Manassas Law Group, we represent minors charged with a wide range of crimes, including:
- Assault and Battery
- Petty and Grand Larceny
- Drug Offenses
- Trespassing
- Breaking and Entering
- Disorderly Conduct
Protect your child’s juvenile record and contact the experienced Manassas juvenile defense attorneys at Manassas Law Group. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have that are specific to your child’s case. We can help ensure that everything possible is done to protect your child’s future so they can go on to live and enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to provide for them.
Expungements
Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 covers the criteria for expunging police and court records. Under this statute, individuals meeting certain conditions may be eligible to have their arrest record expunged, particularly if their case led to dismissal, acquittal, or they received an absolute pardon for a crime they did not commit. S
hould your criminal charges meet the requirements for an expungement petition, reach out to a Manassas expungement lawyer on our team today for personalized legal counsel and guidance on your case.
While the punishments for conviction of these charges vary widely, our core approach is the same – whether you face a first-time traffic offense or a subsequent felony charge – identify the option that will preserve as much of your freedom as possible, and pursue that option aggressively.
When facing charges, having legal help with thorough experience in Virginia criminal law is more important than you might think. Many people think only of the jail time and fines that many convictions carry, but having a criminal record — especially with felonies — can prevent you from getting certain jobs, finding housing, and even owning a gun. Our Manassas, Virginia criminal defense attorneys will do everything in our power to minimize the risk of jail time and a lasting criminal record.
What Should I Do After Being Arrested?
It goes without saying, but being arrested for a crime can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming experience. It is far too easy to get flustered and lose your sense of control during this time. Police and/or a prosecutor will likely do everything they can to get you to spill everything you know right off the bat. They have a number of tactics to coerce or even trick you into confessing or otherwise giving incriminatory evidence. That’s why it is always in your best interest to invoke your Fifth Amendment right and remain silent until you have met with your attorney.
So, after your arrest, calmly and clearly tell the police you will not be speaking until your criminal defense attorney arrives. Then, call us. When you seek the help of a criminal lawyer from our Manassas firm, your rights remain protected from the very beginning. We will be able to speak you privately and meticulously plan out your next steps moving forward, ensuring you are set up for the best results.
The worst mistake a defendant can make is thinking they can be their own attorney and attempting to fight the criminal charges against them on their own. The truth is, only an experienced lawyer knows what to expect (and what to avoid) when it comes to criminal law. They have the resources, knowledge, and connections necessary to help you in a way that only a professional, well-versed criminal defense attorney can.
What Our Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Do For You
When a defendant hires a criminal defense attorney from the Manassas Law Group, they know right off the bat that they have someone in their corner who will protect them, their rights, and their future at all costs. From the initial consultation, our clients can see how committed we are to their case and how willing we are to fight aggressively and tirelessly for them.
Our attorneys have handled cases in this practice area at both the trial and appellate levels. However, it is true that most criminal cases settle before ever having reached trial via a plea bargain. In these cases, it may be in the client’s best interest to plead guilty and accept a lighter sentence. However, if this is simply not an option for you and you would like to bring your case before a jury in criminal court, we are more than prepared to do that with you. No matter the case, our Manassas, VA criminal law attorneys will put in the time, work, and dedication it takes to build and strengthen your defense.
But don’t just take it from us – our Virginia criminal defense lawyers are members of many professional associations and have received numerous awards and acknowledgments. This includes multiple Super Lawyers ratings, Avvo Client Choice Awards, and Top 10 in the Best of the Best Attorneys. Our attorneys are also members of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Prince William County Bar Association, and the Fairfax Bar Association. Additionally, partner Richard Hamilton Boatwright was named to Washington Magazine’s list of “Legal Elite” in 2005 and 2014, and partner William Stephens is peer review-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. We also have dozens of incredible Manassas Law Group reviews from our very own clients to show for our hard work and dedication.
Contact Us
We offer a free case evaluation for new clients seeking criminal defense help. Call our Manassas office today. Call 703-361-8246
Arrested in Manassas, VA? Call an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney at MLG Today
People all over the state of Virginia come to MLG when they require competent legal counsel. Our criminal defense law firm serves clients in the Manassas area and beyond, including all other cities in Prince William County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Fauquier County, and more. In addition to criminal defense, we also provide a range of other legal services, including personal injury, family law, bankruptcy, civil litigation, estate planning, and other related practice areas.
If you or someone you love has been arrested, charged, or is even under suspicion for committing a crime, it’s imperative that you seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. To speak with a qualified Manassas criminal defense attorney to identify your legal needs and begin developing a legal strategy, reach out today to schedule your free consultation. You can contact a Virginia attorney from our firm by calling us at (703) 361-8246 or sending us a message via our online contact form.
