Misdemeanors
PRACTICE AREAS
Manassas Misdemeanor Lawyer
Experienced Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys in Prince William County, Virginia
Misdemeanor charges are nothing to take lightly. Though not as serious as a felony offense, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in serious consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, and a criminal record, which can bring along its own set of challenges.
If you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Manassas, VA, a skilled criminal defense attorney from Manassas Law Group can help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Our dedicated criminal attorneys represent clients throughout Manassas, Prince William County, and the surrounding Northern Virginia areas, offering the legal advice and guidance needed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
To speak with a Manassas criminal defense lawyer at our law firm regarding your case, call (703) 361-8246 or complete our online intake form to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Case Types
What is a Misdemeanor Crime?
In Virginia, criminal charges are categorized based on the severity of the offense, with misdemeanors being on the less severe side and felonies considered more severe. However, while misdemeanors are considered lesser offenses, they still carry significant legal consequences.
There are a variety of offenses that may be classified as a misdemeanor crime in the state of Virginia. This includes everything from traffic violations, such as reckless driving and certain DUI offenses, to property crimes, domestic violence, simple drug possession, and more.
Misdemeanor Classes in Virginia
Misdemeanors, like felonies, are typically divided into classes. In Virginia, misdemeanor classes range from Class 1 (the most serious) and Class 4 (the least serious). Understanding the different classes of misdemeanors and which types of criminal cases fall into those classes can help provide a clearer picture of the potential penalties and legal implications associated with each offense.
Below is a list of common misdemeanors, organized by their respective classes, to provide clarity on how these criminal cases are classified and penalized.
Class 1 Misdemeanor VA
Just below a felony offense, Class 1 misdemeanors in Virginia represent the most serious category of misdemeanor offenses. Some of the more common misdemeanors in this class include:
- Reckless driving
- Domestic violence
- DUI (first or second offense)
- Operating a vehicle with a revoked or suspended license
- Assault and battery
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Property damage (under a certain amount)
- Petit larceny
- Vandalism
- Failure to appear in court (for certain minor offenses)
- Prostitution
Class 2 Misdemeanor VA
Class 2 misdemeanors in Virginia include a range of offenses that are less severe than Class 1 misdemeanors but still carry substantial penalties. These include:
- Driving without a valid license
- Second offense of possessing marijuana (for amounts not exceeding the legal limit)
- Schedule IV drug possession
- Failing to pull over vehicle for law enforcement officer
- Cutting telephone lines
- Inhaling noxious chemicals
- Hunting, trapping, or fishing with a revoked license
Class 3 Misdemeanor VA
Whereas Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors are typically punishable by both fines and jail time, Class 3 misdemeanors (and lesser offenses) only require the convicted individual to pay a fine. Some of the more common Class 3 misdemeanors in Virginia include:
- Unintentional damage to property
- Schedule V drug possession
- Violation of city or county noise ordinances
- Trespassing on church or school grounds
- Conspiring to trespass
- Disturbing the peace by picketing
- Certain offenses involving animals (i.e., failure of a shopkeeper to properly care for animals)
- Displaying false caller identification information
- Cursing or using abusive language towards another person
- Commercial DUI offense
- Slander and libel
Class 4 Misdemeanor VA
Class 4 misdemeanors are the least severe category of misdemeanors in Virginia, typically resulting in minor fines. Here is a list of common Class 4 misdemeanors:
- Public intoxication
- Profane swearing and drunkenness
- Trespassing on railroad tracks
- Drinking alcohol in public
- Spitting in public
- Adultery
- Carnal knowledge of a child (if the accused is less than 3 years older than the victim)
- Possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances
- Carrying a dangerous weapon into a place of worship
What are the Penalties for Virginia Misdemeanor Charges?
If convicted of a misdemeanor, you may be up against some pretty serious consequences that have the power to impact various aspects of your life. Depending on the facts of your case, this may include jail time and/or substantial fines. What’s more, misdemeanor convictions will result in you having a criminal record, which can have far-reaching repercussions concerning things like employment, housing, and your personal reputation.
Below are the general penalties for the different classes of misdemeanors in Virginia, according to § 18.2-11 of the Virginia Code:
- Class 1 Misdemeanors:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Class 2 Misdemeanors:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Class 3 Misdemeanors:
- Fines up to $500
- Class 4 Misdemeanors:
- Fines up to $250
Of course, as with most criminal cases, certain factors can influence the penalties you face, particularly whether or not you have a prior conviction on your record. To get a better understanding of the specific penalties you may be facing given your unique circumstances, call an experienced Manassas criminal defense attorney on our team today.
Can You Expunge a Misdemeanor in VA?
Criminal record expungement in Virginia is only applicable if the charge resulted in a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, or the charges were otherwise dropped. This means that if you received a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor, whether it was Class 1 or Class 4, you cannot have your criminal record expunged.
As such, if you have been charged with a misdemeanor, it is highly advisable that you seek the assistance of a skilled Virginia attorney who can provide legal guidance and increase your chances of avoiding a conviction.
What To Do If Charged With a Misdemeanor in Virginia
Facing misdemeanor charges in Virginia? Not sure what to do? Here’s some advice from our Prince William County criminal defense attorneys here at MLG.
Following your arrest, you’ll want to remain silent when interacting with any law enforcement officer or prosecutor; anything you say can be used against you later. All you have to do is politely decline to answer questions without legal representation present. This leads you to your next crucial step, which is to seek the assistance of a Virginia criminal lawyer who handles misdemeanor cases like your own.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide the legal help you need for the remainder of your case, from advising you on your rights to crafting a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
By following these simple steps, you set yourself up to achieve the most favorable outcome in your case.
Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney for Misdemeanor Offenses?
Facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience, even for a misdemeanor offense, which is why having a criminal defense attorney by your side can be crucial for successfully navigating the criminal justice system. An experienced criminal defense lawyer understands the intricacies of criminal proceedings in Virginia and can provide effective representation to ensure your rights are protected from start to finish.
Your attorney will be able to evaluate the details of your case, identify potential defenses, and advise you on the best course of action. In some cases, it may be in your best interests to negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors, potentially reducing the severity of the charges or penalties you face. Your attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of accepting a guilty plea versus fighting the charges in court.
If your case does proceed to court, your criminal defense attorney will advocate fiercely on your behalf, presenting evidence and arguments to support your defense and work toward achieving the best possible result in your case, whatever that may look like given the circumstances.
Why Choose MLG As Your Trusted Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Choosing to work with the attorneys at Manassas Law Group means equipping yourself with a dedicated and experienced team of attorneys ready and willing to fight for you. Our Manassas criminal defense lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of Virginia criminal law as well as extensive experience handling criminal defense cases in both state and federal courts. We are committed to protecting your legal rights and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether that be fighting for your innocence, negotiating a plea agreement, seeking to have your charges dropped, or striving for a lighter sentence.
Our legal team is known throughout the Manassas area for our strategic approach and relentless advocacy. We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with criminal charges, and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Simply call our criminal defense law firm at (703) 361-8246 and set up your free consultation today.
Facing Misdemeanor Charges in Virginia? Call a Manassas Criminal Defense Lawyer at MLG Today
If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Manassas, VA or any of the surrounding areas, don’t let yourself navigate these legal challenges alone. Protect your rights and secure professional representation by turning to the experienced Northern Virginia criminal defense attorneys here at Manassas Law Group. Rest assured, we are ready to stand by your side and fight for your future.
We are happy to offer our clients a free initial consultation where we can discuss the specifics of your criminal case and devise a strategy to mitigate the consequences you may be facing. Give us a call at (703) 361-8246 or reach out online to get in touch with an attorney at our firm today!
Contact Us
We offer a free case evaluation for new clients seeking criminal defense legal counsel. Call our Prince William County office today. Call 703-361-8246
In addition to criminal law, Manassas Law Group is a full-service law firm and is equipped to help with all things personal injury, bankruptcy, family law, estate planning, and a number of related practice areas. Whatever your legal needs, place your trust in MLG.
