Misdemeanor Cases
a criminal defense practice that represents clients in Virginia
The firm’s criminal defense attorneys are former public defenders, alumni of the National Criminal Defense College, and defend allegations from misdemeanors to first-degree murder and appeals. Together, the firm’s lawyers have tried hundreds of criminal matters to verdict and defended thousands of criminal cases.
In all its criminal cases, whether misdemeanors or felonies, our lawyers believe in conducting thorough factual investigations, preparing witnesses for trial and cross-examination, and engaging in pretrial motion practice to limit or suppress evidence in addition to requesting other relief.
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“Mr. Ryan Campbell is The Great Lawyer! Very knowledgeable about the law and had my case dismissed!” - Eduardo O.
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“My case became so complex and Evelyn managed to be one step ahead each time. She kept me updated at every step.” - Rinku S.
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“Mr. Sherlock is definitely for the people he represents.” - Evin R.
Criminal defense practice areas
Criminal Offenses
- Murder
- Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter
- Federal and state drug crimes
- White collar crimes
- Larceny, embezzlement and related offenses
- Rape and other sexual assault offenses
- Possession and distribution of child pornography
Post-Conviction
- State and federal appeals
- Petitions for writs of habeas corpus – federal 2255 motions
- Petitions for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court
DUI and Serious Traffic Offenses
- DUI
- DUI related manslaughter, including aggravated involuntary manslaughter
- Hit & run and eluding
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Other licensing offenses
Forfeiture
- State and Federal forfeiture proceedings
Federal Petty Offenses and Misdemeanors
Our lawyers defend petty offenses and other misdemeanors in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia that allegedly occur on property acquired or reserved by the federal government.
These allegations often arise on the George Washington Parkway, Wolf Trap, Turkey Run, Roosevelt Island, the Pentagon Reservation as well as local military bases such as Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer, and Quantico.
Common petty offenses occurring on federal parks and reservations include reckless driving, DWI/DUI, and disorderly conduct. Generally, a petty offense is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5000. A petty offense conviction may also result in the defendant being placed under supervision.
The most common federal misdemeanors that the firm sees on federal parks and reservations are drug possession offenses under 21 USC § 844, which carry a maximum penalty of 1 year incarceration and or/a fine of up to $100,000.
Petty Offense or Federal Misdemeanor Not Necessarily More Serious Because It Is Federal
Sometimes defendants misapprehend that a federal petty offense or misdemeanor is somehow more serious than an equivalent state charge. In the firm’s experience, this is not so. In fact, federal judges often apply a policy of comity where a federal misdemeanant or petty offense defendant face a similar punishment to a person in a state court.
For example, a defendant facing a first offense DUI in the City of Alexandria, if there are no aggravating factors, is generally not at risk of being incarcerated. The same is true in federal court if there are no aggravating factors.
