Criminal Defense Attorney in Manassas, VA 

Manassas, VA Criminal Defense Legal Services

Criminal law represents one of the two major fields within our legal system, standing in contrast to civil law. While civil law primarily deals with disputes between individuals or organizations and seeks to provide relief—such as monetary damages in cases of personal injury or malpractice—criminal law focuses on actions deemed harmful to society as a whole.

The central purpose of criminal law is to determine guilt and, upon a finding of culpability, impose punitive measures, which may include incarceration, probation, or fines.

The wide spectrum of offenses falling under criminal law in the Commonwealth of Virginia demands a broad command of the statutes and precedents. These offenses include:

• Robbery and larceny
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Violent crimes such as assault and battery
• Drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing
• Motor vehicle offenses
• Homicide, murder, and manslaughter
• Sexual offenses
• General traffic infractions and misdemeanors
• Restraining Orders (Protective Orders)
• All other local, state, and federal misdemeanors and felonies

If you or a loved one are ever accused of committing a crime within the jurisdiction of Manassas or Prince William County, immediate access to a reputable legal defense team is crucial. Our firm, Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., is prepared to mobilize a comprehensive defense strategy instantly on your behalf.

The Critical Importance of Immediate Legal Counsel

From the moment an accusation is leveled, your future is at stake. The initial period following an arrest or investigation is often the most critical phase of a criminal case. Decisions made during this time—whether to speak with law enforcement, how to handle questioning, or what information to disclose—can significantly influence the final outcome. Any misstep can prejudice your case before it even reaches a courtroom.

It is paramount to remember your fundamental constitutional protections. You have the right to remain silent, and you have the absolute right to have an attorney present before answering any questions.

Engaging our firm right away ensures that these rights are protected from the outset. We immediately step in as your shield, managing all communications with investigators and prosecutors, and working to secure your release at the earliest possible bond or bail hearing. This proactive intervention is not merely advisable; it is fundamental to preserving the integrity of your defense.

A History of Successful Defense Representation

Our legal team has a long track record of navigating the complexities inherent in criminal trials. We approach every case with a deep legal understanding, treating the defense not as a reaction to the charges, but as a robust and principled challenge to the allegations filed by the state. This deep background in criminal procedure and courtroom litigation provides the necessary foundation for achieving favorable resolutions for our clients.

Prosecuting attorneys have substantial resources at their disposal and will utilize every piece of admissible information to present the most damaging narrative to a judge or jury. To counter this aggressive approach, a vigorous and meticulous defense is essential to prevent a worst-case scenario.

Our defense team will meticulously scrutinize all evidence, rigorously cross-examine hostile witnesses, and identify every conceivable flaw in the prosecution’s theories and submissions. In short, the most effective possible strategy for your defense will be formulated and executed with precision to help you move past the possibility of a conviction and safeguard your future liberty.

Detailed Focus on Criminal Charges

The specific nature of the charge dictates the path of the defense. Our firm concentrates its practice on delivering focused representation across the full range of criminal issues seen in the Manassas area.

Driving and Vehicle Offenses

In Virginia, charges like DUI/DWI carry severe penalties that extend far beyond simple fines, including mandatory jail time, license suspension, and ignition interlock device requirements.

Our legal team is well-versed in the intricate technical and procedural rules governing traffic stops, field sobriety testing, and breathalyzer or blood test administration. We often look to challenge the legality of the initial stop (Fourth Amendment protections), the calibration and operation of testing equipment, and the training of the officers involved. A focused defense in this area can make the difference between a minor penalty and a devastating impact on your driving privileges and employment.

Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Whether facing a serious felony—which can result in decades of imprisonment—or a misdemeanor—which can still carry up to a year in jail and a lasting criminal record—the stakes are always high. We handle cases involving property crimes, drug offenses, and violent allegations with equal intensity.

For example, in drug cases, we challenge the chain of custody of the alleged controlled substances and the methods used to obtain the evidence. In violent crime allegations, the focus is often on self-defense claims, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and establishing an effective alibi.

Building the Defense: Strategy and Constitutional Rights

Our defense strategy is built upon two pillars: a comprehensive investigation and an unwavering commitment to upholding your constitutional rights.

Comprehensive Case Investigation

The prosecution’s narrative is only one side of the story. We immediately initiate our own detailed investigation.

This involves:

• Interviewing defense-favorable witnesses who may have been overlooked by law enforcement.
• Retaining private investigators to verify facts, visit the scene of the alleged crime, and uncover exculpatory evidence.
• Consulting with forensic specialists, medical professionals, or accident reconstructionists to challenge the prosecution’s scientific or technical claims.
• Filing motions to suppress evidence that was collected in violation of your rights.

Upholding Constitutional Protections

A cornerstone of our legal system is the protection of individual liberties. We vigilantly enforce the amendments that govern criminal proceedings:

• Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If evidence was obtained without probable cause or a valid warrant, we argue for its exclusion from the trial record.
• Fifth Amendment: Guarantees the right against self-incrimination and the right to due process. We ensure that any statements made by you were obtained lawfully and that you were properly advised of your Miranda rights.
• Sixth Amendment: Guarantees the right to confront your accusers and to compulsory process for obtaining favorable witnesses. We ensure you have a fair opportunity to challenge every witness and every piece of evidence presented against you.

Navigating the Manassas Court Process

A criminal case unfolds in several predictable stages, and our team guides you through each one with clear direction. After the initial arrest and bond hearing, the case moves through the preliminary hearing (for felonies, to determine if there is probable cause) and then to the grand jury or arraignment.

During this pre-trial period, the majority of our most significant work occurs: negotiation, evidence exchange (discovery), and the filing of critical motions.

We consistently pursue all avenues for resolution, including negotiating favorable plea agreements when appropriate, but always prepare the case with the rigor necessary for a jury trial. Our constant presence ensures that you understand the status of your case, the likely outcomes of different decisions, and what to expect in the courtroom environment. You are never left to face the justice system alone.

Our Dedication to Your Future

The potential consequences of a criminal conviction—including loss of freedom, damage to reputation, difficulty with employment, and limitations on future opportunities—are significant.

At Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., our mission is straightforward: to provide the highest level of legal advocacy available to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future well-being. We maintain a firm focus on minimizing the stress and uncertainty of the process while aggressively pursuing a resolution that allows you to move forward with your life.

Repercussions of a conviction 

There are several possible penalties which may be imposed upon you if you are convicted of a criminal charge. You may be forced to pay a significant fine, and a sentence may also carry some amount of jail time. A lesser crime which might only involve a sentence of probation, with no jail time and no fine levied against you, can still have some far-reaching effects. Any conviction might cause you to lose your present job as well as your good reputation, and you might even lose a number of your friends, because of the stigma attached to criminal conviction.

To avoid all these negative outcomes, or at bare minimum to mitigate their effects, you need to engage the services of a team of Virginia criminal law attorneys who are highly experienced as trial lawyers, and who know just about every nuance of the law that can be known and used advantageously. When your livelihood is at stake, you simply cannot take chances – you need to have a team on your side which has shown a solid history of success in such cases, and which will defend you to the maximum letter of the law.

Your criminal law case

Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. is fully prepared to aggressively defend you in your criminal case, whatever type of case that may be. With a great deal of experience in many types of criminal law cases, you can be sure of being represented by a skilled and experienced attorney, who will always have your best interests at heart.

In some cases, that will mean taking the case to trial and doing everything possible to convince the fact finder, judge or jury, that you are not guilty.  When taking the case to trial is not in your best interest, your Olmstead & Olmstead criminal lawyer will use all means at their disposal to mitigate the circumstances and negotiate from a position of strength and reach a fair result.  We understand that the repercussions of a criminal case can follow you the rest of your life, and that’s why we go the extra mile to ensure that no stone is left unturned in defending you.

The bottom line on criminal law

When accused of a crime, everyone in this country is assumed to be innocent until proven guilty. That puts the onus for proving guilt on the prosecution team.  The prosecution works closely with police and sheriff’s departments, which gives them tremendous resources to prepare their cases.  That makes it essential that you engage the services of a highly skilled criminal lawyer when you’ve been accused of a crime. The earlier you consult with Olmstead & Olmstead, the more effective your defense can be.

Contact Our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

At the law offices of Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., our Virginia criminal defense lawyers truly believe that every person who is charged with a crime, no matter what that crime, deserves a chance to defend themselves and to be heard in a court of law. We provide you with the level of legal competence and aggressive representation that you are looking for, and work with your best interests in mind throughout the entire process.

If you have a case which involves Criminal Law, we urge you to call Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C. at any time of day, to discuss your issue. If your call comes at a time other than business hours, we pledge to return your call at the very earliest opportunity. We serve a very broad area in the state of Virginia which includes the counties of Prince William, Fauquier, Fairfax, Loudoun, Stafford, Alexandria, and Arlington – and we would be very happy to have the opportunity to serve you as well.

You can contact us today by phone at (703) 361-1555 or through our online contact form.