Virginia Violent Crimes Lawyer

Violent crimes carry some of the most serious criminal charges in Virginia, and the punishment for a conviction is extremely harsh. Because of the impact on victims and the public, law enforcement is persistent in pursuing and apprehending offenders. According to the Virginia Department of Police Crime Reports, officers arrest almost 16,000 people for various types of violent crimes every year. In most cases, you will face felony charges punishable by prison time, fines, and other penalties.

Still, an arrest is just the beginning of a criminal case. There are multiple stages along the way, giving you the opportunity to present defenses. Hampton Injury Law PLC can be at your side throughout the process, so please contact the firm to hear how we can help. You can set up a case evaluation with a Virginia violent crimes lawyer, but some background about the laws is also informative.

Categories of Violent Offenses

Any act that threatens, attempts, or actually causes bodily harm to another person constitutes a violent crime. As an overview, it is helpful to understand the main classifications for these offenses:

• Homicide: The killing of another human being, including murder, involuntary and voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated murder
• Assault: Shooting, stabbing, causing malicious bodily injury, and domestic violence
• Robbery: When a suspect uses threats or force to commit an act of larceny
• Sex Offenses: Rape, sexual contact with minors, and sexual battery
• Kidnapping: Abduction of an adult or a child against their will 
• Gang and Mob Activity: Rioting, looting, and other acts while participating with a group

Penalties for Felony Charges

Virginia classifies felonies according to severity, and most violent crimes are felonies. If convicted for a lower level Class 6 or 5 felony, a judge could sentence a maximum of five to 10 years in prison. However, the charges increase considerably: 

• For a Class 4 violent crime, the sentence is a minimum of two and up to 10 years of incarceration.
• A Class 3 is punishable by five to 20 years in prison.
• The judge could sentence you to 20 years of incarceration or up to life in prison for a Class 2 felony.
• Class 1 felonies, typically murder charges, are punished by life imprisonment without possibility of parole.

Tips if You Were Charged with a Violent Crime

An encounter with the police can be overwhelming and chaotic, but you can get through with a few tips:

• Never resist arrest.
• Follow reasonable orders directed by the police.
• Do not answer questions, make statements, or let any comments slide, as you could incriminate yourself.
• Exercise your constitutional rights by getting in touch with a criminal defense lawyer right away.

Get Legal Help From a Skilled Virginia Violent Crimes Attorney

You can benefit from a few tips on what to do, but it is important to rely on Hampton Injury Law PLC for assistance with the legal process. For personalized details about your rights, please contact us to schedule a case evaluation with a skilled violent crimes defense lawyer.