Criminal Arrest Process<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hamptonroadslawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/avvo-rating-final.png” title_text=”avvo-rating-final” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_cta title=”We Want To Help You!” button_url=”https:\/\/hamptonroadslawfirm.com\/law-firm-john-w-lee\/” button_text=”View Locations” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”21px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_color=”#0d4a7c” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#0d4a7c” button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Lato|600||on|||||” custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Two Convenient Hampton Roads Offices Near You!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ link_font=”|600|||on|||#0a4a7c|” link_text_color=”#0a4a7c” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Being handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a police car is an unnerving experience. When this occurs, fear, anxiety and confusion can take control. This is when you need legal representation and guidance from the premier misdemeanor lawyers in Virginia at The Law Offices of John W. Lee, P.C. <\/strong><\/p>\n Our\u00a070 years of combined experience give you the best chance at avoiding the harsh penalties and the consequences of a criminal record associated with a misdemeanor conviction.<\/p>\n A criminal charge is classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. F elonies\u00a0are reserved for serious offenses, such as murder, rape and robbery. Misdemeanors crimes are considered less serious than felonies, so the punishment is not as severe. If you are convicted of committing a misdemeanor, the most frequently imposed penalty is a fine. Incarceration is limited to a maximum term of one year in jail.<\/p>\n Confinement in a state prison on a felony charge<\/a>\u00a0can be for as long as a life sentence. Even though they are less serious than felonies, a misdemeanor conviction leaves you with a criminal record. It also forces you to answer affirmatively when asked on an employment application about criminal convictions.<\/p>\n Misdemeanor criminal law in Virginia separates misdemeanors into classes numbered one through four. A fifth classification is reserved for crimes not included in one of the numbered classes. This last group is referred to as unclassified misdemeanors.<\/p>\n Judges may also\u00a0include\u00a0probation or community service as part of a sentence imposed following a misdemeanor conviction. Virginia misdemeanor attorneys\u00a0can advise you about the possible penalties based upon the facts\u00a0of your case.<\/p>\n The seriousness of\u00a0an\u00a0offense determines\u00a0the class\u00a0of a misdemeanor crime. Different degrees of penalties are authorized for each class as follows:<\/p>\n The natural instinct for many people charged with a misdemeanor is to believe they can simply explain their side of the story to make the charges go away. An experienced misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer knows statements made to the police usually become evidence prosecutors use to convict the person who made them.<\/p>\n Whether you are under investigation or have already been arrested and charged, the best thing to do is be polite and cooperative with the police. Do not make any statements concerning the activity the police are investigating or for which you have been arrested. Ask to have\u00a0an attorney present before questioning continues.\u00a0\u00a0Criminal defense\u00a0attorneys at\u00a0the law firm of John W. Lee, PC are highly trained in defending those charged with misdemeanor crimes.<\/p>\n If you believe the police suspect you of committing a misdemeanor, you should not consent to any searches. Searches of your home, car or your person are limited by the Constitution unless you give your consent. The best thing to do is contact your attorney for advice about misdemeanor criminal law and searches. Your attorney will guide you based upon what is in your best interests.<\/p>\n Misdemeanor cases are initiated\u00a0with\u00a0a citation or summons by the arresting officer or a complaint filed by a prosecutor. If you are arrested, the case is taken before a magistrate\u00a0who will set bond. Typically, the first court\u00a0proceeding\u00a0is\u00a0arraignment in General District Court where the accused\u00a0is notified of the charges against them. The accused is given a chance to determine their legal counsel and a trial date\u00a0is set.<\/p>\n There is no option for a jury trial for misdemeanor crimes\u00a0so the judge\u00a0will decide guilt or innocence.\u00a0If convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor you could be facing up to one year in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. Misdemeanors involving narcotics or alcohol can result in a suspension of driving privileges.<\/p>\n Appeals<\/strong><\/p>\n Any finding of guilt in General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations court can be appealed. These lower courts do not have any record of the evidence presented for the finding so the matter would he heard de novo,<\/em> brand new, as if it had not been previously heard. The appeal occurs in the Circuit Court where a jury can be requested. Any appeal of the decision of the General District Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court must be noted with the clerk of that court within 10 days of the judge\u2019s ruling or this right of appeal would be lost.<\/p>\n Defending yourself in court against a misdemeanor charge could be\u00a0a big mistake. Even if misdemeanor charges only result in\u00a0a fine, a guilty plea leaves you with a criminal record.\u00a0 Finding employment can be difficult when\u00a0a background check reveals a\u00a0criminal history. Many employers will give preference to\u00a0those who do not have a criminal record. Conviction of a misdemeanor could also make you ineligible for a security clearance.<\/p>\n Misdemeanors are serious crimes with harsh penalties and long-term consequences associated with them. Representation by first-rate misdemeanor lawyers in Virginia at The Law Offices of John W. Lee, P.C.<\/strong>\u00a0assures you of an aggressive defense. Give yourself the best chance to avoid the penalties and consequences of a conviction.\u00a0\u00a0Schedule a free and confidential initial consultation by calling (757) 896-0868 .[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Misdemeanor Crimes
Virginia Expungement Laws<\/a>
Assault and Battery<\/a>
Drug Charges<\/a>
Computer Crimes<\/a>
Juvenile Charges<\/a>
Sex Crimes<\/a>
Probation Violation<\/a>
Robbery and Theft<\/a>
Felony Crimes<\/a>
Misdemeanor Crimes<\/a>
Gun Rights Restoration<\/a>
Media Center<\/a><\/p>\n![\"misdemeanor-criminal-attorney-norfolk\"](\"https:\/\/hamptonroadslawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/misdemeanor-criminal-attorney-norfolk.jpg\")
Virginia Misdemeanor Criminal Defense<\/h2>\nHow Virginia Misdemeanor Attorneys Can Help<\/h2>\n
Hampton Roads Misdemeanor Criminal Defense:<\/h3>\n
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Virginia Misdemeanors Classes and Penalties<\/h2>\n
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What You Should Do if Facing Misdemeanor Charges<\/h2>\n
General District Court<\/h3>\n
Consequences of a Criminal Record<\/h3>\n
A Hampton Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help<\/h2>\n
![\"misdemeanor-criminal-attorney-norfolk\"](\"https:\/\/hamptonroadslawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/misdemeanor-criminal-attorney-norfolk.jpg\")
Virginia Misdemeanor Criminal Defense<\/h2>