Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyer

From your arrest to your arraignment and everything that comes after, being arrested is a frightening and overwhelming experience for many people. Unfortunately, these negative experiences can overtake your better judgment and leave you prone to mistakes. These mistakes can hurt your case, help the police improve their case against you, and damage your chances of getting your charges dropped or reduced.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a misdemeanor or felony, it is time to talk to a skilled Fairfax, VA criminal defense lawyer who can fight your charges. Call Olmstead & Olmstead at 703-361-1555 now to schedule a consultation.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

A criminal conviction has a ripple effect on every part of your life and everything you try to do in the future. Whether you think your charges are serious or not, it’s crucial to treat the charges against you like they could ruin your life—because in many cases, they can.

The team at Olmstead & Olmstead has an extensive body of experience in criminal defense, putting us in a position to push for lower or dismissed charges. Some of the cases that we can take include:

• Traffic offenses. Driving-related offenses can lead to you losing your license, getting points on your license, and suffering increased insurance charges. Whether you’ve been ticketed for reckless driving, running a red light or stop sign, driving without a license, or any other driving error, we can help.
• Robbery. If you’re convicted of robbery in Virginia, you’re looking at time in prison and substantial fines. Having a felony on your record could leave you with limited job options, difficulty finding a place to live, and a ruined reputation.
• Drug possession. The state of Virginia takes a hardline stance when it comes to drug possession, manufacturing, and dealing. Depending on which type of drugs you are caught in your possession, you could be sentenced to prison time and large fines.
• Restraining orders. We can also help victims of domestic abuse and other related crimes as they seek restraining orders. Our team can help you get the evidence needed to petition for a restraining order.
• DUIs. Driving under the influence is a crime that can significantly hamper future career options, your independence, and how society views you. Virginia has stiff penalties for those convicted of driving while impaired.
• Sex crimes. In addition to the criminal penalties you face for other crimes, you’ll also need to be placed on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry, which will control your career choices, where you live, and how much privacy you have. It is critical to consult a Fairfax, VA criminal defense lawyer if you are under investigation for sex crimes.
• Murder and homicide. If you are facing murder charges, the outcome partially depends on whether it was intentional or unintentional. Either way, these are grave crimes that require the assistance of an attorney immediately.

What to Expect After an Arrest

When you are arrested for a crime in Virginia, the arresting officers must read you your Miranda rights. Keep these in mind, because those rights protect you. You may think you can clear up the issue at hand by explaining yourself to the officers or telling them your side of the story, but you should avoid answering questions until you have an attorney present.

After you are taken into custody and booked in, you will appear before a magistrate at the holding center or jail. They will then determine whether or not you can leave jail while awaiting trial.

This largely comes down to whether or not you are a flight risk and whether or not you are a danger to others. The more serious your crime is, the less likely it is you’ll be allowed to leave while awaiting trial. Furthermore, if they have any reason to believe you will not return for trial, they may choose to hold you.

If you are released, you will be released on bail, bond, or your own personal recognizance. Bail and bond are two ways of essentially paying to leave jail until trial. If you leave on personal recognizance, you are giving the court your word that you will return for trial.

Whether you stay in jail or are released, your criminal defense attorney will begin working on your case and preparing for court. They will also present to you any plea agreement offers that the prosecutor offers.

How Olmstead & Olmstead Can Help You—and Why You Need a Lawyer Now

In the United States, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, it often goes the opposite way, with suspects’ names, reputations, and futures getting dragged through the mud before they’ve even had their day in court.

The fact is, there is a lot at stake if you’ve been charged with a crime. You could lose your career and everything you’ve worked so hard to earn, limit your future educational options, and even lose some of your freedoms. A criminal conviction could hurt you if you ever end up in family court, limit where you live, or prevent you from purchasing firearms.

That’s why it’s so important to contact the team at Olmstead & Olmstead now. We know that your future hinges on how your case is handled, and we’ll treat your case accordingly. Over the years, we’ve seen cases where the police have arrested someone under false pretenses, conducted illegal searches, and violated suspects’ rights. We’ve also seen prosecutors use weak evidence and build cases that are more fiction than fact. You deserve better. You deserve to have your rights protected and to get a chance at fighting your charges.

This isn’t the time to try your hand at your own legal defense. Remember, you will be going up against a prosecutor. Whether your case goes to court or settles via a plea bargain, the prosecutor has the upper hand when you don’t have an attorney. They understand court procedures, know the rules of evidence, and have plenty of time to build a strong case against you. Hiring a dedicated criminal defense attorney is your best bet at protecting your future and your opportunities.

Contact Our Team Today to Fight Your Charges

After you get arrested, your first priority should be hiring an attorney. We’re here to support you during this process and help you explore defense options. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 703-361-1555 or reaching out online.