If you have been accused of a crime, you are entitled to a vigorous defense. Representing yourself in court is a risk you cannot afford, so let the professional attorneys at Ashwell & Ashwell evaluate your case and advise you of your potential options.
Fighting these charges might seem daunting at first, but our firm has secured favorable results in a wide range of cases. If you are ready to talk about your case, reach out to a Richmond criminal defense lawyer today.
Over the course of our careers, we have handled a wide range of criminal cases. The criminal charges in Virginia generally fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. While felonies are the more serious of the two, a misdemeanor conviction could come with burdensome penalties and follow you for the rest of your life. Some of the types of cases our firm has handled in the past include the following:
No matter what you have been charged with in Richmond, it is crucial that you seek out help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. The right legal counsel could help you push back on these charges and walk away with reduced punishments, dropped charges, or even an acquittal.
Our firm is here to help even in situations where the state’s evidence is strong. We can advise you on whether or not accepting a plea bargain is in your best interest. These decisions are yours to make, but we can use our experience to put each choice into context for you.
When facing criminal charges, the defense strategy you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. The right approach depends on the evidence against you and the specific crime you have been charged with. Our Richmond-based attorneys often rely on the following criminal defense strategies.
In some cases, the alleged victim’s consent can serve as a valid defense. This approach is especially common in sex offenses and assault cases. Consent must be proven to have been freely given and not obtained through coercion or deception. What’s more, there are situations where an alleged victim lacks the capacity to consent at all, and there are some situations (usually with minors) where verbal consent is irrelevant.
One of the most well-known strategies is arguing that the accused acted in self-defense. If you reasonably believed you were facing imminent harm and responded with proportionate force, the law may justify your actions.
Many crimes require proof of intent. If the prosecution cannot demonstrate that you knowingly or purposefully committed the act, our attorneys could argue that the incident was a misunderstanding.
The prosecution carries the burden of proof in any criminal case. If the defense can show that the evidence presented is weak or unreliable, or that you have an alibi from the time of the offense, it could be enough to avoid a conviction. With this approach, your attorney will focus on the lack of evidence against you instead of attempting to develop alternative theories or suspects.
If law enforcement violated your rights, the evidence collected could be barred from your trial. You are protected by the U.S. Constitution from unlawful searches and seizures, and our firm will work tirelessly to enforce those rights.
Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never experienced the justice system before. The good news is that we have had success fighting back against these charges and securing favorable outcomes for our clients. If you are ready to discuss your options, reach out to a Richmond criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation. We are ready to represent you and push for the best possible outcome.
A criminal defense attorney serves as your advocate and guide throughout every stage of your legal proceedings. From the moment of arrest or charge, your attorney will explain your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case. They will investigate the facts, review evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or plea agreements, and represent you vigorously at trial if necessary. Your attorney ensures that law enforcement and the prosecution respect your constitutional rights at every turn, working to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
In general, the civil litigation process encompasses several crucial stages, beginning with the Pleadings phase, where parties formally outline their claims and defenses. Following that, the Discovery stage allows both sides to gather evidence through depositions and document requests to support their case. Pre-trial motions aim to resolve the case or limit issues before trial. If unresolved, the process moves to Trial, where the case is argued in court. Finally, the Appeal phase offers a chance to challenge the trial’s outcome. Each stage is pivotal, designed to ensure fairness and resolve disputes effectively.
A DUI conviction in Virginia carries serious consequences that can affect many areas of your life. For a first offense, you may face fines starting at $250, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), and possible jail time. Subsequent offenses result in significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and the possibility of felony charges. A DUI conviction also creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact your employment, insurance rates, and professional licenses. Our attorneys work aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Our family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters affecting families and individuals. We represent clients in divorce and legal separation proceedings, including both contested and uncontested cases. We also handle child custody and visitation disputes, child support and spousal support (alimony) matters, equitable distribution of marital property, and the enforcement or modification of existing court orders. Additionally, our attorneys assist with adoption proceedings, paternity actions, domestic violence protective orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Whatever your family law matter, our team is committed to protecting your rights and the well-being of your family.
A comprehensive Virginia estate plan typically includes several key documents. A Last Will and Testament outlines how your assets will be distributed and may name a guardian for minor children. A Revocable Living Trust allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. Financial Powers of Attorney designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) specify your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts are also critical components. Our estate planning attorneys will work with you to ensure all documents are properly drafted and reflect your wishes.
