Violent Crime Defense Attorneys

Violent crimes charges come in a wide array of different forms. While the nature and severity of these offenses can vary considerably, all violent crime accusations must be taken seriously. If convicted of a violent crime, it could damage your reputation, cost you money or professional opportunities, and it could end in you being sentenced to serve a lengthy prison term, which is why you seek immediate legal counsel from the Violent Crime Defense Attorneys at Leary Law.

At Leary Law, our top-rated Fairfax, VA Violent Crime Defense Attorneys have the skills and legal knowledge needed to protect your rights. You deserve a defense lawyer who you can trust. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any type of violent crime in Northern Virginia, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm for a fully confidential initial consultation.

There is truly no such thing as a minor violent crime in Virginia. State and federal laws subject violent offenders to severe penalties. If you were alleged to have unlawfully injured another party or threatened to harm another party, a conviction could result in the loss of your freedom. Our Fairfax, VA criminal defense lawyers have the experience and tenacity needed to represent clients facing all types of violent offenses. Some notable examples of charges we handle in Virginia beyond simple assault and battery include:

• Murder: Homicide in Virginia includes capital murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. These offenses carry the possibility of significant jail time, including life in prison and, in some cases, exposure to the imposition of the death penalty. If you are charged in a homicide, you should speak with an attorney immediately.

• Unlawful Wounding: In Virginia, unlawful wounding is a Class 6 felony offense. With this offense, there is no element of malice. Prosecutors are not required to prove the defendant intended to kill or severely harm the victim. As an example, throwing an object in a moment of anger that strikes and injures another party — even if the defendant did not mean to hit the person — could be charged as unlawful wounding.
• Malicious and Unlawful Wounding: Under Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 18.2-51), malicious and unlawful wounding is a Class 3 felony offense. A defendant commits this crime if they cause an injury to another party with intent to kill or severely harm them. To be clear, malicious and unlawful wounding is a very serious offense in Virginia. A conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
• Abduction and Kidnapping: Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 18.2-47) defines abduction and kidnapping as the taking by force, intimidation, or deception of another person with the intent of depriving them of their personal liberty and/or autonomy. The severity of abduction/kidnapping charges can range from a Class 2 felony to Class 5 felony. In the most severe circumstances, a conviction for abduction and kidnapping is punishable by up to life in prison, a $100,000 fine, and required registration on the Virginia sex offenders list.
• Arson: The charge of arson comes in several different specific forms. The implications of intentionally starting a fire could result in arson being charged as a violent crime. As an example, Virginia has a specific statute for the “burning or destroying” of a dwelling house (Code of Virginia § 18.2-77). If the structure is occupied and there is criminal intent, this type of arson offense is punishable by five years to life in prison and a $100,000 financial penalty.
• Gun Related Offenses: Virginia has a number of different criminal statutes related to the use of firearms and other weapons. Beyond complying with registration requirements, gun owners must use their firearms in a reasonably safe manner. If a person is alleged to have carried out a crime with a gun — even if they never fired a shot — there could be severe criminal consequences. As an example, the use or display of a firearm in committing a felony is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison in Virginia (Code of Virginia § 18.2-53.1).
• Domestic violence: In cases involving spouses, roommates or other household members, a silly dispute can quickly escalate into something far more serious. Every situation involving an allegation of assault amongst individuals who know each other carries unique facts driven by the nature of the relationship between the parties. The ensuing charges following a domestic dispute have far-reaching implications. Charges of domestic assault impact the relationship of the parties involved and the individual facing prosecution.

• Assault: A charge of simple assault and battery can arise from a fight between two people and result in prosecution. In addition to representing individuals facing charges of simple assault, Ms. Leary also represents those charged with disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment or who face the serious charge of assaulting a law enforcement officer.
• Robbery: Under certain conditions, a criminal conviction for using force or intimidation to take someone else’s property can result in a life sentence. Given the seriousness of the crime, it is necessary to speak with an experienced attorney with the necessary skill, reputation and dedication to obtain proper representation.

As these violent crimes charges vary so widely, it is imperative that defendants find a criminal defense lawyer who is truly equipped to handle their case. If you are facing accusations of criminal violence, you cannot trust your case to an amateur. Your freedom and future are quite literally on the line.

For nearly 20 years, we have represented defendants in a wide range of criminal cases. During this time, our Fairfax, VA Violent Crime Defense Attorneys have worked in every jurisdiction in Virginia, in the District of Columbia, and in federal court. We offer every client practical and honest legal advice. No matter the specific nature of your case, our Fairfax, VA Violent Crime Defense Attorneys will fight to get you the best results. More specifically, our legal team will:

• Carefully review the nature of the charges filed against you
• Listen to your story and answer your questions
• Comprehensively investigate the case, obtaining all evidence
• Devise an effective and personalized defense strategy

We understand that no two criminal defense cases are exactly alike. If you were arrested on violent crimes charges in Northern Virginia, you need attentive legal representation. The prosecution has the obligation to present compelling evidence that proves that charges beyond a reasonable doubt. If the charges or false or the prosecution cannot meet their burden, an aggressive defense strategy may be necessary. In other cases, it may be more sensible to focus on finding a plea agreement that limits the total extent of the penalties.

At Leary Law, our top-rated criminal defense lawyers have the skills and legal experience needed to represent clients facing the full range of violent crimes charges. If you or your family member was charged with a violent offense, we are here to help. To set up a fully private initial consultation, please call us today at 703-359-7111. From our law offices in Manassas and Fairfax, we represent defendants throughout the region, including in Arlington, Springfield, Falls Church, Bristow, and Gainesville.