Criminal Defense
PRACTICE AREAS
Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Helping Clients in Prince William County, VA and Surrounding Areas Facing Criminal Charges
For people with zero prior felonies or charges on their record, being arrested or investigated can be a stressful and overwhelming process to navigate. However, for those that do already have felony charges on their record, the stakes may be even higher in legal proceedings, as the courts serve higher degrees of penalties in criminal cases where the defendant is a previous offender.
A qualified criminal defense lawyer is able to swiftly determine the most effective and strongest defense options available for their clients. Criminal defense lawyers are expected to offer straightforward legal help, provide strong legal representation, and be able to come to a favorable plea agreement, if necessary. A plea bargain would allow a quick settlement between the court and the defendant without the need to take the case to a trial.
At The Manassas Law Group, our Prince William County criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience helping people in Virginia through every stage of criminal proceedings. Whether you need a 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 the Manassas, VA attorneys at our law firm, call us at (703) 361-8246 or reach out to us online to set up a free consultation today.
What To Do Following an Arrest
Being arrested or charged with a crime can be a life-altering event that can bring negative repercussions for the rest of someone’s life. The stakes associated with the process can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate the legal system alone. This inexperience with the law and all of its technicalities can lead to good people becoming flustered and making detrimental mistakes. In the event that you are placed under arrest, the best thing you can do for yourself and the integrity of your case is to:
Stay Silent
The goal of law enforcement and prosecutors is to get a defendant (or anyone facing criminal charges) to speak about anything related to the suspected crime. These authorities have numerous amounts of coercion tactics to get a person to speak on a potential criminal matter, to either gather evidence or directly incriminate a suspect. That is why, when facing legal issues for a criminal charge, the best course of action in the present moment is to remain silent. By invoking the Fifth Amendment, a defendant will not be able to provide authorities with any information that they will be able to use against them. The defendant should continue to remain silent until they are able to discuss any legal issues with their legal counsel.
Request Legal Counsel
Once detained after the arrest, the defendant should notify the authorities that they would like to speak with their Prince William County criminal defense attorney immediately. Then, call us. When a defendant is facing criminal charges and seeks the help of a criminal lawyer from our Manassas firm, their rights remain protected from the very beginning. We provide all of our clients with the best defense by meticulously planning out the next steps moving forward, ensuring the best results.
Criminal charges should be taken very seriously, as they have the potential to cause irreparable damage to a defendant’s reputation and future success. As such, they should always seek the help of an experienced Prince William County criminal defense attorney rather than assume they can be their own attorney. An experienced lawyer knows how to effectively navigate cases of a criminal offense.
A criminal case is a very intense situation, and that is why a great attorney should always come prepared to provide their resources, knowledge, and connections to help their clients in a way that earns the client’s trust in them.
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle All Kinds of Criminal Charges in Virginia
Whether you have received a felony or a misdemeanor or are a repeat offender or a first-timer, a Manassas criminal defense lawyer from our law firm can provide you with great counsel and a strong defense.
Our team of criminal defense attorneys based out of Northern Virginia has decades of combined experience in litigating criminal cases. We will always have a capable criminal defense attorney available to help navigate the intricacies of all types of criminal charges. What’s more, our legal team knows what it takes to help you secure the best possible outcome for your individual case, whatever that may be.
Our Prince William County criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing all felony and misdemeanor charges in Northern Virginia, including:
- Driving under the influence (Prince William County DUI defense)
- Traffic violations
- Such as a reckless driving charge or speeding ticket fines
- Domestic violence
- Violent crimes
- Such as assault and battery, aggravated assault, murder/homicide, armed robbery, domestic violence, malicious wounding, etc.
- Sex crimes
- Sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, child pornography, etc.
- Drug crimes
- Including drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, etc.
- Weapons charges
- Disorderly conduct
- Theft crimes
- Shoplifting, grand larceny, robbery, burglary, and other theft and property crimes
- White collar crimes
- i.e. embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, and any other white-collar crime
- Juvenile crimes
- Including theft, traffic offenses, and underage possession of alcohol
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Prince William County, VA
The sentencing punishments for those convicted of these charges can differ drastically based on any number of factors, such as the number of prior felonies or the age of the defendant. However, the fundamental legal process of any criminal defense case remains the same, no matter the degree of the charge or the number of priors that the defendant possesses. It is imperative that a criminal defense lawyer identifies the option that will ensure the most freedom for their client as possible–whether that’s getting the charges dropped, dismissed, reaching a plea bargain, or receiving an acquittal at trial–and pursue that option aggressively.
If you are facing serious charges, it is crucial to the success of your case that you have help in navigating the intricacies of criminal defense law. After your initial consultation, you should establish an attorney-client relationship as soon as possible, even before the preliminary hearing for your case.
Having a criminal record — especially with felonies — can prevent you from establishing a successful future for yourself and your family. A Prince William County, Manassas criminal defense attorney will do everything in their power to minimize the risk of jail time and a lasting criminal record.
Aggressive Legal Advocacy in Prince William County, VA
When a defendant in Prince William County, Virginia has a court date coming up, they can feel relieved knowing that the super lawyers at Manassas Law Group will be with them every step of the way. Our team understands that this is a very serious situation for the defendant, and that is why we always strive to protect them, their rights, and their future at all costs.
From the first free consultation onwards, every client will receive the best lawyer for their individual case. With decades of experience practicing criminal defense law, we are committed to every case and are willing to fight aggressively and tirelessly for each individual client.
Unlike many other attorneys and local law firms, our team at Manassas Law Group can confidently practice criminal defense law at any level of court, whether it is the trial level or the appellate level. However, it is common for a criminal case to never even reach trial. This is because a client’s criminal defense lawyer may suggest opting for the plea bargain. In many cases, accepting a plea bargain and pleading guilty may be in the client’s best interest because it results in a lighter sentence.
However, if a plea bargain is not on the table for a client, then the Manassas Law Group is fully capable of bringing a case before a jury in a Prince William County court. No matter the case, our Prince William Country, VA criminal law attorneys will put in the time, work, and dedication it takes to build and strengthen your defense.
Reputation Matters
When it comes to credibility, the Prince William County criminal defense lawyers at Manassas Law Group have it in abundance. Our attorneys are members of numerous professional associations and have received countless awards and accolades for their contributions to the legal field.
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 view 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
Why You Need The Right Attorney for Your Criminal Case
Most people never expect that someday they will be facing criminal charges, but everyone has the capability to make mistakes. That is why it is important that you have a team you can rely on for a positive outcome in Prince William County, VA. 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.
Call MLG Today For a Free Consultation with Experienced Lawyers Servicing the Prince William County Area
If you or someone you love has been arrested, charged, or held under suspicion for committing a crime, it is imperative that you seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for the most favorable outcome. To speak with a qualified Manassas criminal defense attorney to identify your legal needs and begin developing a legal strategy, call our office today to schedule your free consultation. You can contact a Virginia attorney from our firm by calling us at (703) 361-8246 or by sending us a message via our online contact form.
