15 Best Arlington, VA Criminal Defense Attorneys | Expertise.com (2024)

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FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Arlington, Virginia?

  To contact the Arlington police department for non-emergencies, dial 817-274-4444.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Arlington, Virginia?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report at the Administrative Support Unit - Office of Records and Evidence and Inventory Management Unit, which is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesday. Customers can also contact staff members by phone, email, or fax from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Why choose an Arlington criminal defense lawyer over a court-appointed lawyer?

  Even though you may be able to get a court-appointed lawyer, these individuals frequently have more cases than they can handle. They are overworked and underpaid, so it's unlikely that you'll get the attention you need to defend against your charges. However, Arlington criminal defense lawyers keep their caseloads manageable to give your case the individualized attention it needs.

• Do you need to hire a criminal defense attorney in Arlington for a simple assault charge?

  Yes. Simple assault is classified as a misdemeanor in Arlington and carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of six months or a maximum jail sentence of one year. The criminal justice system of Virginia may also impose a maximum fine of $2,500 and bar you from going back to the scene of the assault. You might be required to go to anger management therapy. Sometimes the prosecution and defense can agree where the defendant admits guilt, and the judge sets the sentence.

• How frequent are violent crimes in Arlington?

  Arlington's crime rate is significantly higher than the national average for all American communities, but it is not among the communities with the highest crime rate. In Arlington, a person has a 1 in 489 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder. It corresponds to a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants.

• What are the most common violent crimes reported in Arlington?

  Crime Grade estimates that in Arlington, there are 12.47 crimes committed against every 1,000 residents in a typical year. The following violent crimes are frequently reported in Arlington: assault, robbery, rape, and murder. These crime rates are determined by dividing the number of crimes committed in Arlington per 1,000 residents in a typical year.

• What neighborhoods in Arlington have the lowest crime rates and are deemed safe for residents?

  Because of its low crime rate, Arlington's residents can feel safe in the following areas. These include Stratford Hills and Crescent Hills, Bellevue Forest and Woodmont, George Mason Village and Barcroft Forest, Arlington Heights, West Village at Shirlington and Virginia Gardens, Fort Myer, Lyon Village, Madison Manor, and Country Club Hills / Marymount University.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circ*mstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circ*mstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circ*mstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circ*mstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.

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