Reston Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Clients Charged With Criminal Offenses in Reston, VA

Getting arrested can be an intense, stressful experience. Police officers and prosecutors may attempt to convince you that there is only one outcome to your case, and that your best option is to confess and plead guilty. However, with the help of a Reston criminal defense lawyer, you can fight the charges against you, ensuring that your rights are fairly represented in a court of law.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have over 25 years of experience practicing law. With our legal knowledge and the resources at our disposal, we can put up a strong defense on your behalf, no matter how serious the charges against you may be.

Drug Possession

Virginia takes a hard stance against drug crimes, including possession of illegal substances. The penalty for a drug possession offense depends on the drug's schedule. Controlled substances are categorized from Schedule VI to Schedule I in order of least to most dangerous.

Illegal possession of a Schedule VI substance like nitrous oxide or toluene is punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor, which only carries a $250 fine. However, possession of a Schedule I drug such as LSD is a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Even if you are not sentenced to jail or prison, the long-lasting impact of a criminal conviction can affect your employment and applications for housing or loans.

At Salvado Law Offices, we will explore all possible defenses against a drug possession charge. We could argue that you did not knowingly possess the substance in question or that you had a valid prescription to carry it. We can also petition for enrollment in a drug diversion program, which can spare you from a conviction as long as you obey the court's terms.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery refer to two distinct violent crimes. You can be charged with simple assault for attempting to cause someone physical harm or making a threat of violence against another person that puts them in reasonable fear of harm. Battery, otherwise known as assault and battery under state law, refers to unlawful physical contact with another person in a malicious or angry manner. Without any aggravating factors, both crimes are charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Note that you can be charged with assault and battery even if you do not injure the victim. If you assault someone on the basis of identity, such as race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender, you could be charged with a hate crime, and you could face a minimum of six months behind bars.

At Salvado Law Offices, we will look into the circumstances behind the alleged incident to determine whether there were any mitigating circumstances. We could argue that you did not intend to threaten anyone or that physical contact did not meet the standards of battery.

Gun Crimes

Gun crimes and other weapons offenses are strictly prosecuted in Virginia. For instance, if you are caught possessing a firearm while under a protective order, you could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Moreover, convicted felons in the state of Virginia cannot legally own or possess a gun, and any violation of this rule is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

At Salvado Law Offices, we can defend you against allegations of unlawful gun ownership or violent crimes committed with a firearm. We will argue for reduced penalties in court or negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge.

Meet With a Reston, Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Virginia, Salvado Law Offices is here to help. Our Reston criminal defense attorneys will argue aggressively on your behalf, looking for any possible mitigating circumstances or avenues to avoid a conviction. Call us at 301-933-1814 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.