Virginia Criminal Lawyer and DUI Attorney Serving Newport News, Hampton, York County, Poquoson, Glocester County, Williamsburg, James City County and New Kent County

Virginia’s criminal laws are among the strictest in the nation. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who can defend you against serious allegations and explain all of your legal options.

Call the law office of Miller, Walsh & Kutz Law Firm—any time, day or night--at 757-595-0123 for a free consultation. You may also contact us online, and someone will be in touch with you soon. Our defense attorneys will extensively prepare for your case, doing everything necessary before going to trial.

TRAFFIC CHARGES

If you are charged with a DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or driving on a revoked or suspended license, you may face up to one year in jail, over $2,000 in fines, and loss of your driver’s license.

In addition to these punishments, such charges could impact one’s career, security clearance and insurance costs.

You need an experienced Virginia defense attorney. Call Miller, Walsh & Kutz at 757-595-0123.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MISDEMEANORS AND FELONIES

Felony and misdemeanor crimes are distinguished under Virginia law by the maximum punishment one can receive for each. Felonies are crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than 12 months or even by death. Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by no more than 12 months in jail. Jail sentences for misdemeanors are served at local facilities (county or regional jails), while incarceration for felonies usually occurs in state correctional facilities (prison).

Misdemeanors are divided into four classes, with maximum punishments as follows:

Class 1 Misdemeanor: 12 months in jail; $2,500 fine
Class 2 Misdemeanor: 6 months in jail; $1,000 fine
Class 3 Misdemeanor: $500 fine
Class 4 Misdemeanor: $250 fine

Felonies are divided into six classes, with maximum punishments as follows:

Class 1 Felony: Death, if older than 16 at time of offense and not mentally retarded; or life imprisonment and/or $100,000 fine
Class 2 Felony: 20 years to life imprisonment and/or $100,000 fine
Class 3 Felony: 5 - 20 years imprisonment and/or $100,000 fine
Class 4 Felony: 2 - 10 years imprisonment and/or $100,000 fine
Class 5 Felony: 1 - 10 years imprisonment or 12 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine
Class 6 Felony: 1 - 5 years imprisonment or 12 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine

Certain crimes, such as grand larceny, are called “unclassified felonies,” because the punishment for conviction of these crimes is defined by the specific Virginia statute criminalizing the offense, different from the general guidelines described above.

Let us help you put this stressful time behind you. If you are facing criminal charges, call us now at 757-595-0123.