Defending Clients Against Felony And Misdemeanor Charges
At Dansby & Fehrenbach, we have handled a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases. Whether you are simply facing a fine or life in prison, we can provide the representation and advice you need. We have defended clients against a range of charges such as:
- Driving while intoxicated (DUI)
- Robbery
- Drug possession
- Sexual assault and rape
- Disorderly conduct
- Capital murder
- Traffic violations
- Domestic assault
If you have been charged with a crime, it is critical to speak with an attorney before you talk to law enforcement. Anything you say about your case will be used against you, often in ways that you wouldn’t expect. It is better—and best—to say nothing except that you want a lawyer.
Appeals
If you have already been convicted of a crime and you are considering an appeal, give us a call. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor in District Court, you have ten days to note your appeal to Circuit Court, where you get a de novo trial, meaning the trial takes place as if the other trial never happened. You can have a jury trial in Circuit Court, which was not an option in District Court.
If you have been convicted in Circuit Court, you can still appeal. Attorney Fehrenbach also regularly represents clients in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Do not delay, however. Appeals are governed by strict and rather quick timelines, sometimes with draconian consequences for late filings.
Felonies – Possible Penalties
Felony convictions have consequences in addition to possible prison times and fines. For example, you lose your rights to vote, to serve on a jury, to possess firearms, to become a notary public and you may lose your ability to obtain federally-funded student loans. Certain sex-related felonies such as rape would require the defendant to register as a sex offender.
Felonies are often categorized as class one (the worst) to class six (the least punishment among felonies). Some felonies are “unclassified,” which means the punishments don’t fall neatly into those classes.
An example of an unclassified felony is grand larceny under Virginia Code Section 18.2-95. Grand larceny carries “imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than twenty years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, be confined in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months or fined not more than $2,500, either or both.”
Misdemeanors – Possible Penalties
Virginia Code Section 18.2-11 states the maximum penalties for misdemeanors. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2500 fine.
Some misdemeanors have serious collateral consequences. For example, certain convictions could result in the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, your inability to possess or purchase firearms, or they can cause serious immigration consequences.
Contact The Criminal Defense Legal Team At Dansby & Fehrenbach
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact us before you talk to law enforcement. Call 757-209-4945 or fill out our online contact form.