Criminal Defense Lawyers in Centreville, Virginia
Centreville, Virginia, like many other towns across America, is facing an increase in criminal activity. While many in our society may choose to shun those who commit crimes, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance.
It’s easy to panic and say the wrong thing when you get pulled over on rt. 28, or when you’re caught at the scene of a crime in London Towne, or when you’re presented with a warrant for your arrest at your Centreville home. At this point, it’s more important than ever to stay calm. While criminal charges might seem like the end of the world as you know it, you have options and we’re here to help you sort through them.
While this time will be stressful and full of uncertainties, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team will meet with you at Fairfax County Detention Center, the Juvenile Detention Center, or wherever you are being held, to protect your rights.
The sooner you contact the team at Olmstead & Olmstead, the sooner we can begin fighting your Centreville, VA criminal charges. Schedule a consultation right now by calling us at 703-361-1555.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in Centreville, VA
At Olmstead & Olmstead, we handle a wide range of criminal cases. We believe that everyone has the right to a strong defense team and to be considered innocent until proven guilty. The long list of criminal cases we have taken on includes:
Restraining orders
A restraining order, also known as a protective order, is a civil order issued by a court to protect a person from harm or harassment. While it is a civil matter, a violation of the order can lead to serious criminal charges.
The issuance of a restraining order is not a simple matter; it requires a showing of a credible threat or past harmful behavior. We can help you navigate this process, whether you are seeking protection or are on the receiving end of a petition.
Consequences of a Protective Order
Having a protective order against you can affect your living situation, your ability to see family members, and, in some cases, your job. Our work in these cases focuses on ensuring that your rights are respected and that the court has a full and accurate picture of the situation. We can assist with both the initial hearing for a permanent protective order and with defending against a criminal charge for violating a temporary or permanent order.
Robbery and larceny
The law makes a clear distinction between robbery and larceny, although both involve taking property that does not belong to you. Larceny, or theft, refers to the unlawful taking of property with the intent to deprive the owner of it permanently.
Virginia law separates larceny into two main categories: petty larceny and grand larceny. The distinction is typically based on the value of the property taken. Petty larceny is a misdemeanor, while grand larceny is a felony. The threshold for grand larceny in Virginia is a value of $1,000 or more.
Robbery: A More Serious Offense
Robbery, on the other hand, is a more serious offense. It involves taking property from a person through the use of force, violence, or intimidation. Because robbery involves a direct threat to another person, it is always charged as a felony and carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. We have a thorough understanding of the complexities of these charges and how to differentiate between them. Our legal approach involves a careful examination of the circumstances, including whether any force was used and the true value of the items involved.
Drug-related crimes
Virginia’s laws on drug-related crimes are complex and can result in significant legal consequences. These offenses range from simple possession to more severe charges like manufacturing and distribution. The severity of the charge often depends on the type of substance and the quantity involved. For example, possession of a small amount of a controlled substance may be a misdemeanor, but possession with the intent to distribute is a felony. Similarly, cultivating a controlled substance is a felony.
Examining Evidence in Drug Cases
In drug cases, the prosecution often relies on evidence collected during searches. We closely examine the procedures used by law enforcement to ensure that all evidence was obtained legally. Any violation of a person’s Fourth Amendment rights can be a key part of the defense.
Our legal work also involves understanding the intricate details of drug classification and the legal definitions of possession, intent, and distribution. A person facing these charges may be eligible for alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or drug court, which we can explore as part of the legal process.
Traffic and driving offenses
While many people view traffic tickets as minor annoyances, some driving offenses can lead to criminal charges with severe repercussions. A simple speeding ticket is typically an infraction, but driving at an extremely high speed or in a reckless manner can be charged as a criminal offense. Reckless driving in Virginia is a serious misdemeanor that can result in a jail sentence, a substantial fine, and a driver’s license suspension.
Impact of Serious Traffic Charges
Other serious traffic crimes include hit-and-run, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and eluding law enforcement. These charges can impact your ability to drive, your employment, and your personal freedom. Our approach to these cases is to carefully review all evidence, including police reports, dashcam footage, and any witness statements. We work to identify any errors in the stop or the investigation, and we aim to reduce the charges or minimize the impact on your driving record.
DUI and DWI
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are among the most common criminal charges in Virginia, but they carry significant and lasting penalties. Even a first offense can lead to a license suspension, fines, and mandatory enrollment in alcohol safety programs. For a second or subsequent offense, the penalties become more severe, potentially including mandatory jail time and the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Legal Defenses for DUI/DWI
The legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in Virginia is 0.08%, but you can still be charged with a DUI if your BAC is below that level and the police can show that your driving was affected by alcohol. We have a deep understanding of the scientific and legal aspects of these cases. Our work often involves challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, the legality of the initial traffic stop, and the administration of field sobriety tests.
Sexual offenses
Sexual offense charges are among the most serious and emotionally complex a person can face. A conviction can lead to significant prison time and, in most cases, mandatory lifetime registration on a public registry. The consequences of these charges go far beyond the courtroom, impacting a person’s reputation, relationships, and future opportunities.
A Discreet and Thorough Approach
These cases require a highly discreet and thorough legal approach. We are committed to a detailed and compassionate review of the facts, including a careful examination of all evidence, witness statements, and the circumstances surrounding the allegation. We recognize the gravity of the situation and the critical need for a defense that is both strong and strategic. We can help you with these difficult and sensitive situations.
Murder and homicide
Homicide is the most serious crime a person can be accused of, and it carries the most severe penalties under the law. Virginia law defines various types of homicide, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.
Distinguishing Types of Homicide
The distinction between these charges depends on a number of factors, including the intent of the accused, the circumstances surrounding the act, and the presence of any mitigating factors. For example, first-degree murder requires a showing of premeditation, while manslaughter involves a lack of intent to kill. These cases are complex and emotionally charged, requiring a defense that is meticulous and comprehensive. We provide legal guidance throughout the process, from the initial investigation to the trial.
You may not yet know the full extent of the charges against you or what they mean. A lot depends on whether or not the crime is a misdemeanor or felony and whether you are facing related charges. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes that typically result in fines, community service, or a jail sentence of no more than twelve months.
Felonies are more serious and can result in state prison sentences of a year or more, as well as significant fines. If you are facing multiple criminal charges, your punishments could stack and leave you with substantial fines and a lengthy prison sentence. Navigating this legal landscape on your own is not advisable. Having a representative who understands the intricacies of the law and the local courts can make a difference.
How Criminal Convictions Can Affect Your Life
People accused of a crime have a tendency to underestimate how it will affect them in the future. They may think of the immediate implications, such as paying restitution, paying court-ordered fines, and spending time in prison or jail. On their own, those penalties can have a significant negative impact on your life.
Convicted individuals are often left financially drained after paying off court fees. A prison sentence can violently yank you from the world you know, throw you into a frightening prison environment, and then expect you to return to normal once you go back to the outside world.
But the consequences of a criminal conviction extend beyond the immediate penalties. To start, plan on pausing or completely ending your career. Spending time in prison will likely leave you without employment and make it hard to get back into the workforce.
Even though Virginia law prevents employers from asking about your criminal history on an initial application, they can still ask about it after calling you for an interview. A misdemeanor or felony on your record may dissuade employers from considering you. In some fields, a criminal history completely disqualifies you.
A criminal history can also keep you out of other parts of society. If you want to coach your kids’ soccer team, volunteer at their school, or help out at the local animal shelter, plan on agreeing to a criminal background check. Once your conviction comes up, you may or may not be allowed to volunteer.
If you ever face family law issues in the future, your criminal history could hurt you. In a custody battle, an angry coparent may use anything they can against you. If you’re seeking custody, your previous conviction—no matter how long ago it was—could haunt you.
Certain types of crime can have more specific consequences. The Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry can leave you exposed to public humiliation and even put you at risk of being targeted. You may be forbidden from living in certain areas once listed on the registry.
How We May Approach Your Case
Our goal is to find the best path to a positive outcome for you. This looks different for every case, depending on the charges against you, how much evidence the other side has, whether or not their evidence was obtained legally, and your criminal history. Outcomes we may pursue include:
- Dismissal of charges. Perhaps the police officer in your case was overzealous in their collection of evidence and they violated your civil rights. Maybe the charges against you are so overblown that there’s no way they can stick in court. In some situations, we will fight to have charges dropped entirely.
- Reduction in charges. In situations where your crime could be charged in a couple different ways, we may negotiate with the prosecutor to push for the less severe charges. This can make a significant difference in the penalties you face and how your future will be affected.
- Alternative sentencing options. If you could avoid more serious consequences by going through a rehabilitation program or serving probation, this may be an excellent option to protect your freedom and future.
- Trying your case in court. In some cases, the best option is truly to defend you in court. Our team is aggressive and will fight to weaken the prosecution’s case at every turn.
Possible Defenses to Criminal Charges
There are several potential defense avenues we will explore while handling your case. Some of these include:
- Consent if a crime hinges on whether or not another party consents to it, such as many sex-related crimes
- Entrapment
- Crime committed under duress or coercion
- Lack of intent
- Self-defense
- Necessity, when one crime is committed to prevent a more serious crime
- Evidence obtained illegally
- Illegal arrest or traffic stop
Why You Should Choose the Team at Olmstead & Olmstead
When you choose Olmstead & Olmstead, you can feel confident that your case will be handled proactively and aggressively. Our extensive experience with federal and state crime cases ensures that we’ll approach your charges from multiple angles. We’ll use everything at our disposal to understand the prosecution’s case, poke holes in it, and find ways to defend you. We will keep you informed every step of the way so that you know all possible outcomes, how they will affect your future, and what our next steps are.
Choose Olmstead & Olmstead for Your Criminal Defense Case
Our team is ready to take your case head-on, aggressively pursue a fair outcome for you, and protect your civil rights in the process. Set up a time to talk with us right away—just call us at 703-361-1555 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
