Fairfax Felony Lawyer
If you are facing a felony, you need an experienced Fairfax criminal lawyer to protect your rights and make sure you get the best possible result. As a former prosecutor in Fairfax, Faraji Rosenthall has extensive experience navigating the Fairfax felony process.
A felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor) is the most serious grade of crimes under Virginia law. Virginia has seven classes of felonies, and they are distinguished by their level of possible punishment.
Class 1 – punishable by sentence of death, life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000
Class 2 – punishable by sentence between 20 years and life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
Class 3 – punishable by sentence of between fiveto 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
Class 4 – punishable by sentence of between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
Class 5 – punishable by sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500
Class 6 – punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500
Unclassified – punishable by a prison sentence specifically stated in the law, varies depending on the crime
A conviction for a felony in Virginia stays on your record for life. The expungement process is not available for anyone convicted of a felony. Even worse, a conviction for a felony changes your rights as a U.S. citizen. A convicted felon is not allowed to vote or own a gun in Virginia – ever. Even getting caught in possession of a gun is a serious crime for a convicted felon. Additionally, a felony conviction will likely come up if you are applying for a job, trying to get credit, or even simply trying to rent a place to live.
In Fairfax, the felony process can be complicated, time-consuming and treacherous. It is important that the lawyer you hire to handle any felony case be experienced and knows what to expect when your trial day arrives.
As a former prosecutor of in Fairfax, Mr. Rosenthall has the experience of handling over 1,000 felony cases. He has worked “the other side of the aisle” and seen everything that works and doesn’t work in the representation of Fairfax felony cases. If you are looking for an attorney to treat you fairly and work aggressively to resolve your Fairfax felony case, call Mr. Rosenthall for a free consultation.
The Fairfax Felony Process (Preliminary Hearing)
Fairfax felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the general district court to determine if there is probable cause for the case to go forward to circuit court. Probable cause simply means that a crime probably occurred and that the defendant probably did it. But this is a much lower standard than the reasonable doubt standard for finding someone guilty. In some circumstances, simply the testimony of one witness or a confession by the accused may be enough for the prosecutor to win a preliminary hearing.
