Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys in Fairfax, Virginia

Experienced trial lawyers in Fairfax Virginia providing criminal defense to clients charged with misdemeanor offenses.

Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers in Fairfax and Northern Virginia

It’s tempting to think of a misdemeanor charge as nothing more than an embarrassing inconvenience. First offenders especially might be inclined to simply plead guilty to a judge and hope for a sentence of either time served, community service, or a fine. And that’s it. Why go through the trouble and expense of hiring a good lawyer? Sometimes people don’t even bother to come to court.

Not so fast. A guilty plea to a misdemeanor in Virginia can carry a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Even if the judge does not impose an active jail sentence, a misdemeanor plea results in a criminal conviction, which means you now have a criminal record. A later arrest for the same charge or any other offense is likely to be punished much more severely, and in some circumstances could be handled as a felony. Certain misdemeanors can also interfere with educational, professional or security clearance opportunities. Many can have adverse immigration consequences for non-citizens. Often times these consequences can be avoided or at least mitigated with the assistance of an experienced and qualified criminal defense lawyer.

Discuss Your Case with a Lawyer Now

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense and have a case pending in any court in Northern Virginia, contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Sprano Law Firm, PLLC in Fairfax for a consultation. Our attorneys will gather information about the specific charges you’re facing and discuss your potential exposure to punishment, the continuing consequences of the misdemeanor charge on your record, and your best options for beating the case. We will seek to get the charge dismissed if possible, and if not we will develop a strategy for negotiating a plea bargain that avoids or minimizes any possible jail time. In our many years of experience as criminal defense lawyers in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas, we have defended just about every type of misdemeanor charge imaginable. No matter the circumstances of your case, we can help you achieve the best result possible.

We handle a wide range of Virginia misdemeanor charges, including:

• Drunk driving

• Underage possession of alcohol

• Possession of a fake ID

• Simple assault

• Assault and Battery, including domestic violence charges

• Disorderly conduct

• Drunk in public

• Possession of Concealed Weapon (including Firearms cases)

• Obstruction of justice

• Unlawful Entry

• Destruction of Property, Vandalism

• Trespassing

• Shoplifting under $500 (petit larceny), and other property crimes

• Reckless Driving, Driving on a Suspended License, Driving without a License, DUI

• Child abuse or neglect, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

• Phone Threats

• Stalking

• Sexual Battery

• Indecent Exposure

Most of the listed offenses are Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to 12 months of jail, a $2,500 fine or both. The upper end of this range is generally reserved for repeat offenders and/or violent crimes.

The chance to plead to a misdemeanor can represent a good result for someone originally charged with a felony. If a misdemeanor represents the most serious charge you’re facing, however, it makes sense to find out if there is any possibility of having the charge dismissed, being found not guilty, or at least avoiding jail time. To find out more about your options, contact the Fairfax criminal defense lawyers at The Sprano Law Firm, PLLC in Northern Virginia for a consultation. our services extend to Alexandria, Virginia, the Arlington, Prince William, Alexandria, and Loudoun Counties. Click here to review our proven record of success.