Handling Criminal Defense Cases
in Every Northern Virginia Jurisdiction
Being charged with a crime in Virginia is an intimidating and overwhelming experience. The power of the government is being leveraged against you. Your liberty, livelihood, and reputation are on the line. To further complicate matters, Virginia's court system is complex and difficult to negotiate without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Manassas. The assistance of a criminal defense attorney will prove invaluable when the repercussions of a criminal conviction are avoided. The attorneys at Dischley Law are proven criminal attorneys who will work tirelessly towards getting the charges dropped.
A defense attorney is a lawyer representing an individual or organization accused of committing a crime or wrongdoing in a court of law. The defense attorney's role is to defend their client's interests and advocate for their legal rights throughout the criminal justice process. Defense attorneys work to build a strong defense for their clients, which may involve investigating the case, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, negotiating plea deals, and presenting arguments in court. They also work to protect their clients from unfair treatment by the prosecution and ensure that their constitutional rights are upheld.
The ultimate goal of a defense attorney is to secure the best possible outcome for their client, whether that means having charges dropped, negotiating a plea bargain, or winning a verdict of not guilty. Defense attorneys ensure that individuals are treated fairly and justly in the criminal justice system.
Manassas, Virginia is known for its heavy presence of criminal law attorneys and navigating the long court-processes alone can be daunting. What people don’t often realize is just how beneficial it can be to have a professional criminal defense attorney on your side.
Felony or misdemeanor charges carry serious consequences. How will you successfully fight the charges? How important is it for you to have a clean criminal record? Will you end up in jail or on probation? You need the best protection. You need an experienced Manassas criminal defense attorney with the inside knowledge that only comes from being a former prosecutor.
Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Can Assist With:
When facing criminal charges, understanding your rights is crucial. At Dischley Law, PLLC, we believe that knowledge is power. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring that you are fully informed about your rights throughout the legal process. From the moment you are arrested to the resolution of your case, we will be by your side, advocating for your best interests.
Here are some key rights you should be aware of:
- The Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to not answer questions that may incriminate you.
- The Right to an Attorney: You are entitled to legal representation at any time during your interactions with law enforcement.
- The Right to a Fair Trial: You have the right to a trial by jury and to present your case in front of an impartial judge.
- The Right to Confront Witnesses: You can challenge the evidence and witnesses presented against you.
- The Right to Appeal: If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision in a higher court.
Understanding these rights can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our team of Manassas criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair defense. Don't navigate this challenging time alone—reach out to Dischley Law, PLLC for the support and representation you need.
Our Manassas criminal attorneys have been trying cases in Northern Virginia for over 12 years. Each attorney’s experience has prepared them to handle your case with the finesse and skill you expect of an experienced criminal attorney. Our lawyers are talented and remain up to speed on the newest laws and criminal cases. Most importantly, our attorneys have spent time on both sides of the courtroom (as prosecutors and defense attorneys). This provides us with the inside knowledge you count on when you are accused of a crime. We will know the impediments you must overcome to obtain a positive result in your case. When you enlist our assistance, you can rest assured we have handled similar cases and produced the result you desperately need.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 703-215-9337 today!
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What Is a Felony?
A felony is the most serious charge one can be accused of. A felony is a crime punished by more than one (1) year [or twelve (12) months] in prison. Felonies are distinguished from misdemeanors and infractions by the punishment. In addition to the negative stigma of being a convicted felon, a felony conviction will also result in a loss of your right to vote, hold public office, possess a firearm, sit on a jury, and serve as a notary public.
Due to the severity of these types of offenses, felony convictions are often accompanied by long prison terms coupled with extensive probationary periods after your release from prison. A conviction will change your life forever! An experienced and zealous criminal attorney in Manassas can help you overcome these accusations.
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What Is a Misdemeanor?
Less severe offenses are called misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are punished by lesser fines than felonies and by no more than 12 months in jail. Despite being less serious than a felony offense, misdemeanors are still as disruptive to your life. The mere presence of a criminal conviction on your record could cost you a job, security clearance, loss of financial aid, and much more. Not only do you need to stay out of jail, you need to protect your record. A former prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer in Manassas can help you avoid all the negatives associated with a criminal conviction.
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Do Cops Have to Read Miranda Rights?
Miranda Rights are read to an individual by police to inform them of their rights, including the right to remain silent, that a lawyer can be consulted, that a lawyer will be provided if they don’t have representation, and that what they say in an interrogation can be brought up in court.
Police are only required to read a person their Miranda rights if they are in custody and being interrogated. If a person is not in custody, then the warning does not need to be read. That’s why it’s best to consult with a Manassas criminal attorney before speaking with law enforcement.
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What Is an Arraignment?An arraignment occurs in court where an individual makes their plea following a reading of their criminal charges. According to Virginia statue §19.2-254, defendants can waive this process.
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What Does Pleading No Contest Mean?
A no-contest plea or “nolo contendere” plea means that the defendant does not admit or deny guilt of the crime they are being accused of, as would be the case in a guilty or not guilty plea. However, when entering this plea, the defendant is consenting to the punishment handed down by the judge.
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Can You Withdraw a Guilty Plea After Sentencing?
In Virginia a guilty plea can only be withdrawn prior to sentencing. However, a judge can put aside the conviction for the individual to withdraw their plea if not doing so would be a clear injustice (§19.2-296).
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Can Criminal Cases Be Appealed?
According to Virginia state code §17.1-406, a petition for an appeal can be made for a criminal conviction if certain grounds are met. For example, if the sentencing is different than what state law mandates, or if evidence was ignored during the trial or incorrectly admitted then an appeal may be able to be made.
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What Is Probation?
Probation is when an individual completes their criminal sentence outside of prison. This may be part of a plea bargain. An individual can also be released early from prison, if eligibility is met, and placed on parole which typically includes a period of probation. However, some offenses may not be qualified for parole or probation.
Additionally, certain legal requirements and conditions must be met when on probation or parole. If violated, the individual could potentially face a lengthened or intensified probation sentence, possible jail time, or even revocation of the probation.
Meet Our Team
Over 30 Years Combined Legal Experience
OFFERING QUALITY REPRESENTATION & PROTECTING YOUR legal RIGHTS
Dischley Law, PLLC focuses on providing effective representation for those individuals accused of committing crimes in Virginia state and federal courts. We represent clients in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Culpeper, Stafford, Warren, Frederick, Clarke and other surrounding counties in Virginia. Additionally, we serve clients in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and Western District of Virginia (VAWD).
Our Manassas criminal defense lawyers know that every locality in Virginia takes a different view on criminal cases. Policies from the head prosecutor’s office often dictate different results to different charges. Additionally, the prosecutors will push for certain outcomes regardless of the strengths of your case. Therefore, you need a lawyer who knows what the prosecutor is thinking and can evaluate the risk associated with a trial versus a plea. Therefore, assisting you in developing a strategy that is proven to be successful, the lawyers at Dischley Law, PLLC can help you win your criminal case.
Because our strategies are battle-tested, they have been proven to produce outstanding results. Call (703) 215-9337 today for a free consultation.
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
RECOGNIZED BY OUR CLIENTS & PEERS
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Their exceptional assistance and guidance made the process stress-free- Ben
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I chose Dischley Law in part because they are a Veteran-owned firm, but also because of their competitive fees and the compassion they demonstrated as I described my case during the consultation- C.G.
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After receiving a Reckless Driving summons in Fairfax, VA, I contacted a number of lawyers. I found my conversation with Dischley Law to be the most helpful and comforting.- R.M.
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You will not find a more caring and proactive attorney in your search for effective representation. David gets right to the heart of the case, finds the defenses, and presents them at the right time.- J.M.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Dischley Law, PLLC is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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We've Served Our Country & Community Through Military Service & As Former Prosecutors
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We Have Over 30 Years of Combined Legal Experience
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We Are Boutique Firm With Large Firm Experience & Reputation
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We Use Knowledge, Strategy & Innovation to Produce Results
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Our Firm Is Top-Rated & Award-Winning
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Your Initial Consultation Is Free & Confidential