Top Five Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Fairfax

Few things are more stressful, frustrating, or overwhelming than facing criminal allegations. Your rights, your reputation, your future, and your freedom could all be at stake. At Leary Law, P.C., we are committed to representing clients with compassion, respect, and the highest level of professional service. Here, our legal team highlights the top five reasons to hire a Fairfax criminal defense attorney.

 

1. You are Under Investigation or the Police Want to Question You

 

If you are being accused of or investigated in relation to a crime, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your rights. With criminal justice issues, you should also take a proactive approach. There is no reason to wait until an arrest to consult with a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer. The sooner you get an experienced legal advocate on your side, the better. If law enforcement wants to ask you questions, you should have an attorney with you.

 

2. You Were Arrested and Charged With a Crime

 

An arrest can happen in an instant. You are not always going to get advance warning that there is an ongoing criminal investigation. After an arrest, your first call should be to a top-rated criminal defense lawyer. Do not fall behind the prosecution. The most important criminal defense work occurs in the hours, days, and weeks immediately following arrest. An experienced Fairfax criminal law attorney will waste no time in investigating your case and building a solid legal defense strategy.

 

3. You Believe that Your Rights Were Violated By the Police

 

If you believe that the police have violated your rights, you should consult with a Fairfax defense attorney. This is especially important if you were subsequently charged with a crime. As an example, imagine that Virginia police violated your Fourth Amendment right to be free from an unreasonable search or seizure. Your criminal defense lawyer will take action to remedy the violation. Among other things, this could include filing a motion to get illegally obtained evidence thrown out of court.

 

4. You Want to Reach the Most Favorable Plea Agreement

 

Few criminal cases actually go to trial in Virginia. Most are dismissed or resolved with a plea agreement. Do not plead guilty without speaking to an attorney. A lawyer can help you get the best possible arrangement. In the Commonwealth, judges generally follow the recommendations of the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission (VCSC). Though, there are considerable variations without those guidelines. State and local prosecutors often try to pressure defendants into plea deals that are unreasonably harsh given the circumstances. A Fairfax, VA defense can help you find the right solution.

 

5. You Want to Clean Up Your Criminal Records

 

Even if you were never convicted of an offense, a criminal record can cause you significant long-term hardship. Under Virginia law, some criminal records—including arrest records and conviction records—can be sealed with certain criteria satisfied. The process for sealing records is often referred to as expungement. It is notoriously confusing. An attorney will walk you through the process, helping seal your records to the maximum extent possible under Virginia’s regulations. If you have any specific questions about expungement in Virginia, contact an experienced Fairfax criminal defense lawyer for immediate assistance.

 

Schedule Your Confidential Criminal Defense Consultation Today

 

At Leary Law, P.C., our Virginia criminal defense lawyer is an experienced, respected, and reliable advocate for clients. We will protect your rights and your future. Contact us now for a completely confidential review of your case. With law office locations in Fairfax and Manassas, we serve communities throughout the entire region, including in Arlington, Alexandria, Oakton, Falls Church, Chantilly, and Herndon.