Richmond Criminal Defense Lawyer

Felony and Misdemeanor Defense

Criminal offenses are classified according to the potential penalties that may be enforced upon a conviction. A misdemeanor is a crime that is not as serious as a felony. It is not punishable by the death penalty or by imprisonment in state prison but rather by up to 12 months in county jail and fines up to $2,500. A felony, on the other hand, is more serious and may be punishable by anywhere from 1 year in state prison to life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some extreme cases. Some crimes, such as DUI or domestic violence, may be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the particular circumstances of the case. These crimes are referred to as "wobblers." Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony offense in Virginia, a Richmond criminal defense attorney at our law firm can help.

Virginia Misdemeanor Offenses and Penalties

• Class 4 Misdemeanor: Fines up to $250
  • Removing the collar of a pet dog or cat
  • Unlawful possession of a schedule VI drug
• Class 3 Misdemeanor: Fines up to $500
  • Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
  • Unlawful possession of a schedule V drug
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or fines up to $1,000
  • Possession of schedule IV drugs
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in county jail and/or fines up to $2,500
  • Reckless driving
  • Assault and battery
  • Petit larceny
  • Stalking
  • Domestic abuse
  • Prostitution/Solicitation
• Unclassified Misdemeanors: Subject to judge and jury discretion
  • First offense marijuana possession

Virginia Felony Offenses and Penalties

• Class 6 Felony: Up to 1 year in jail, 1-5 years in prison, and/or fines up to $2,500
  • False bomb threats
  • Reckless endangerment
• Class 5 Felony: Up to 1 year in jail, 1-10 years in prison, and/or fines up to $2,500
  • Manslaughter, voluntary or involuntary
  • Statutory rape
  • Possession of schedule II drugs (e.g. cocaine)
  • DUI
• Class 4 Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000
  • Arson
  • White collar crimes
• Class 3 Felony: 5 to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000
  • Burglary
  • DUI vehicular manslaughter
  • Distribution of schedule I or II drugs
  • Marijuana cultivation
• Class 2 Felony: 20 years to life in prison and/or fines up to $100,000
  • Burglary with a deadly weapon
  • Bank robbery with a deadly weapon
  • First degree murder
• Class 1 Felony: Life in prison, the death penalty, and/or fines up to $100,000
  • Capital murder
  • Rape

For a free consultation regarding your case, contact a Richmond Criminal Defense Attorneyat our law offices today.