An experienced criminal lawyer Fairfax VA clients recommend knows there are two levels of charges a person can face in Virginia — misdemeanors or felonies. The level of crime you are charged with will determine the penalty if you are found guilty. In some situations, a criminal lawyer in Fairfax VA may be able to get the level of charge reduced.

Misdemeanor Charges

If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor charge, you could spend time in a county or municipal jail, depending on the class of misdemeanor you were charged with. There are three classifications of misdemeanors under Virginia law. They are:

• Class 1: Examples of Class 1 misdemeanors are DUI, reckless driving, and assault and battery. A guilty finding can result in up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.
• Class 2: Examples of Class 2 misdemeanors are possession of Class IV drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and aggressive driving. A guilty finding can result in up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 fine.
• Class 3: Examples of Class 3 misdemeanors are possession of Class V drugs and property destruction. A guilty finding will not result in jail time, but can result in a fine of up to $500.
• Class 4: Examples of Class 4 misdemeanors are possession of a Class VI drug and public drinking. A guilty verdict will not result in jail time, but can result in a fine of up to $250.

Felony Charges

As a criminal lawyer Fairfax VA provides might explain, felony charges are much more serious than misdemeanor charges. If you are found guilty of a felony, you face at least one year in prison. More severe charges can result in life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. Virginia has six classifications of felonies:

• Class 1: The only charge under this classification is premeditated murder under special circumstances. A guilty finding will result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Class 2: Examples of Class 2 felonies include murder and burglary with a weapon. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of 20 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine.
• Class 3: Examples of Class 3 felonies include stabbing, shooting, or poisoning someone. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of five years in prison, up to 20 years, and up to a $100,000 fine.
• Class 4: Examples of Class 4 felonies include arson of empty buildings and embezzlement. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of two years in prison, up to 10 years, and up to a $100,000 fine.
• Class 5: Examples of Class 5 felonies include extortion and involuntary manslaughter. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of one year in prison, up to 10 years, and up to a $2,500 fine.
• Class 6: Examples of Class 6 felonies include repeated larceny and animal cruelty. A guilty finding will result in a minimum of one year in prison, up to five years, and up to a $2,500 fine.

Contact a Criminal Lawyer Fairfax VA Clients Depend On

If you are being investigated or charged with a crime, contact a Fairfax criminal lawyer quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to fight those charges. The legal team at Dave Albo is available to meet with you and evaluate your situation.