If county deputies or federal agents arrest you for a crime and charge you with a misdemeanor or felony, it does not mean you will be convicted of one. A prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty, which means the jury believes that you, and only you, could have committed the acts you are accused of.
Our seasoned attorneys at Ashwell & Ashwell are skilled at creating reasonable doubt to challenge allegations and could work to protect your freedom. We are also experienced negotiators who may be able to plea bargain with the prosecutor before your case goes to trial. If your alleged crime is low level or a first infraction, you may be able to avoid jail time. Do not lose hope if you are arrested, and instead, exercise your legal rights and call a Culpeper criminal defense lawyer right away.
Crimes are charged as felonies or misdemeanors and are categorized by degrees, with first-degree crimes the most serious. Felonies often carry more significant penalties. However, both categories may lead to incarceration, fines, limited housing and job options, and strained personal relationships. Both types may appear on background checks. Additionally, felony convictions prevent you from voting, owning a firearm, and holding public office.
Misdemeanors could result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, while felonies may lead to life in prison and fines up to $100,000. Examples of misdemeanors include:
Examples of felonies include:
Criminal charges can also be brought by the federal government when the alleged crime violates U.S. federal law, usually because state lines are crossed in the commission of a crime or because national interests are involved. Our Culpeper attorneys are seasoned criminal defense litigators, cross-trained to present cases in state and federal courts. Whether your case will be heard by the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Culpeper County or if you are facing criminal charges in federal court for the Eastern District of Virginia, an attorney from our firm could defend you.
We could assess all aspects of your case, beginning with advising you about how to avoid self-incrimination once arrested, seeking your release at a bond hearing, and examining the circumstances of your arrest to determine whether law enforcement had probable cause to detain you. We could build a strong defense for your case and advocate for alternatives to prison time, such as diversion programs, probation, and plea agreements. We may also be able to get your case dismissed if the evidence was improperly entered or the prosecutor does not prove every allegation.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, we could raise defenses regarding violations of your rights (including improper search and seizure), present evidence of an alibi or entrapment, or argue that you were acting in self-defense. We tailor your defense to the facts of your situation. If criminal charges are filed against you, representation by a Culpeper defense attorney is your constitutional right.
An arrest for any crime is stressful and could impact all facets of your life. You may be a juvenile who made an error in judgment or spent time with the wrong people, or you may be an adult wrongly accused of a crime. Whatever your situation, our mission is to provide you with the strongest possible defense so you can move forward from this experience.
Our attorneys have succeeded in state and federal courts, advocating for favorable outcomes for clients. If your future is at risk because you face misdemeanor or felony charges, contact Ashwell & Ashwell to discuss your case with a Culpeper criminal defense lawyer and learn how we could advocate for you.
