Practice Areas

Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending People in Criminal Proceedings

Being charged with a crime is a harrowing experience, and people faced with criminal charges are often uncertain of their rights and options for protecting their interests. In many instances, though, there are numerous strategies they can employ to help them seek a just outcome. If you are being prosecuted for a crime, it is in your best interest to retain an attorney to assist you with navigating the complexities of the Virginia courts. The skilled Fairfax criminal defense attorneys of Crowley Peritz Law are adept at handling criminal matters, and if you hire us, we can assist you in formulating a compelling defense. Our office is in Fairfax, and we regularly defend people in criminal cases in cities in Northern Virginia.

Criminal Defense

If you are charged with a crime, it is important that you consult with an experienced Virginia Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are adequately protected. First, it is necessary to determine whether the arresting officers adequately informed you of your rights and properly handled your arrest and the collection and storage of any evidence that may be used against you. If your arrest was not handled in the correct manner, and your rights were violated or the evidence against you was contaminated, your attorney may be able to argue the charges against you should be dismissed due to procedural defects. A knowledgeable Fairfax criminal defense attorney will also know the nuances of the applicable laws and will be able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case. In some cases, it may be in your best interest to accept a plea bargain and avoid the risk of stricter penalties. In other cases, your attorney may determine the prosecution will not be able to prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the evidence presented, and advise you to proceed to trial.

DUI / DWI

If you are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or other controlled or illicit substances, it is important that you consult a Fairfax criminal defense attorney to discuss your potential defenses as well as your options for protecting your rights. Under Virginia law, if you are of legal drinking age, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol level is .08% or higher. If you are under 21, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol level is .02% or higher. You can also be charged with DUI for operating a vehicle while impaired due to the use of drugs or alcohol. Even if it is your first offense, a DUI conviction can result in severe penalties, including jail time and the loss of your license. If you are charged with your second or subsequent DUI, you may face increased penalties and fines. Additionally, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Depending on the facts of your case, a Fairfax criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce a DUI charge to lesser charges.

Domestic Violence Charges

In Virginia, domestic violence, commonly referred to as “family abuse,” encompasses a variety of behaviors. These behaviors include assault and battery, which involves physically harming or attempting to harm a family or household member, and stalking, which is defined as engaging in a pattern of behavior with the intent to cause fear or emotional distress to a family or household member, often involving repeated unwanted contact, harassment, or surveillance. Additionally, criminal threats, sexual assault, criminal trespass, and violation of protective orders can all fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. Importantly, Virginia law extends protection not only to spouses but also to various family or household members, which may include current or former spouses, parents, children, individuals who share a child, or those who cohabitate. Domestic violence crimes can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, both of which can carry significant penalties. As such, if you are accused of a crime of domestic violence, it is advisable to speak to a Fairfax criminal defense attorney about your options as soon as possible.

Hit and Run

In Virginia, a hit-and-run crime, also known as “failure to stop” or “leaving the scene of an accident,” involves a driver leaving the site of an accident without fulfilling their legal obligations. There are specific elements that must be present for an incident to constitute a hit-and-run offense. First, the driver must be involved in an accident, which can include collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. Second, they must fail to stop at the accident scene and leave the scene before complying with their legal obligation to provide their name, address, and vehicle information to the other parties involved in the accident. The penalties for a hit and run in Virginia can vary and depend in part on the extent of the damages and injuries the collision caused. It’s important to note that these penalties can be more severe if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

Reckless Driving

People who operate their vehicles in what is considered a dangerous manner may not only receive traffic citations but they may also be charged with the crime of reckless driving. In Virginia, reckless driving involves operating a motor vehicle on a highway recklessly, at a speed, or in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of others. People are often charged with reckless driving for driving at speeds significantly higher than the posted limit, driving aggressively, passing school buses, racing other vehicles, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Typically, reckless driving is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries a jail term of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, and a suspension of driving privileges. In some instances, however, it is charged as a Class 6 felony. If you are charged with reckless driving, it is in your best interest to speak with a Fairfax criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to determine your options for seeking a favorable result.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Under Virginia law, it is a crime to operate a vehicle if your license has been suspended or revoked by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or by a court order. The penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license depend on the reason for the suspension and prior convictions. A first offense typically results in a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, with potential penalties that include a fine, further license suspension, and up to 12 months in jail. The punishment imposed usually increases with each subsequent offense. To convict a person of driving with a revoked or suspended license, the prosecution must establish that the license was, in fact, revoked or suspended and that the defendant knew of the status of their license but operated a vehicle on a highway regardless. If the prosecution is unable to offer evidence establishing each element of the offense, the defendant should not be found guilty.

Confer With an Experienced Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney

Crowley Peritz Law are experienced Virginia lawyers who practice criminal defense. If you are charged with a crime, it is important to speak to an attorney about your rights and potential defenses as soon as possible. The experienced Fairfax lawyers of Crowley Peritz Law are proficient at helping people accused of crimes fight to protect their interests, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. We have an office in Fairfax, and we regularly defend parties in criminal matters in cities throughout Northern Virginia and Fairfax, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford Counties, including McLean, Arlington, Fairfax, Annandale, Centreville, Reston, Burke, Herndon, Vienna, Alexandria, Falls Church, Stephens City, Ashburn, Dulles, Leesburg, Manassas, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Linton Hall, Woodbridge, Stafford, and Winchester. You can reach us to set up a confidential conference by using our online form or calling us at (703) 337-3773.