Criminal and Traffic Law

Whether it is a traffic violation or a criminal charge that could change your life forever, you need experienced representation to help you navigate the world of criminal law. The attorneys at PLDR have been representing people that have been charged with criminal and serious traffic offenses for decades and we are well versed in the myriad of ways to resolve these cases.

Take a DUI case for example--you need counsel to review all of the facts surrounding the stop by the authorities, to probe the probable cause for the arrest, to be intimately familiar with the technical aspects involving the taking a sample of your blood or breath that could be used in the trial of the case and then have the experience and knowledge to use any irregularities that may be found to your best advantage in resolving the charge.

PLDR’s attorneys have represented clients in all levels of the state and federal trial courts, and also have experience handling appeals of criminal cases. Some of the types of criminal cases in which we regularly appear in court involve:

Traffic Offenses

Traffic offenses can involve any citation, ticket, or charge associated with your vehicle or driving. Examples of such charges may include, among others: driving under the influence (i.e. a “DUI” or “DWI”), speeding, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended or revoked license. The punishment for each traffic offenses varies, but you could be faced with the loss of your driver’s license or even jail time, along with a hefty fine.

Misdemeanors

Virginia has four categories of misdemeanor crimes that range from a Class 1 Misdemeanor (the most serious) to a Class 4 Misdemeanor (the least serious). Although not as bad as felonies, misdemeanors remain a part of your criminal record if you do not contest the charge or if you are found guilty and could result in you being ordered by the Court to pay a fine or serve time in jail. Some examples of misdemeanor crimes include, but are not limited to: trespassing, petit larceny, drunk in public, property damage, and possession of Marijuana.

Felonies

Virginia has six categories of felony crimes that range from Class 1 Felony (the most serious) to a Class 6 Felony (the least serious). The punishment for a felony crime ranges from one year in prison to life in prison or, in severe crimes, the death penalty. All felony crimes remain a permanent part of your record and, after you get out of prison, can result in you forfeiting certain rights, such as the ability to vote or carry a gun. Examples of felony crimes include, but are not limited to: murder, rape, robbery, manslaughter, attempted murder, burglary with a deadly weapon, arson, embezzlement, possession, and possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs, and extortion.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a violent confrontation between family or household members that involves physical harm, sexual assault, or fear of physical harm.

Improper Use of a Firearm

If used incorrectly, guns can be dangerous. As such, Virginia has a number of criminal laws regarding the possession, usage, and sale of guns. Some crimes involving guns include, but are not limited to: the possession of a firearm while in the possession of drugs, possession of a firearm by a felon, discharging a firearm in an urban area, the reckless handling of a firearm, and making false statements to purchase a firearm.

Drug Crimes

In Virginia, every drug is classified as either a Schedule I, II, III, IV, V, or VI drug. The punishment for a drug crime is highly dependent upon how the drug is classified. A Schedule I drug often has a higher punishment because the drug has a higher potential for abuse and has no legitimate use. Conversely, a Schedule VI drug will often have a lower level of punishment because it has a lower potential for abuse. Examples of drug crimes include, but are not limited to: possession of a controlled substance (heroin, methamphetamine, medications without a prescription, marijuana, etc.), distribution of a controlled substance, and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are nonviolent crimes often committed by business or government professionals who are motivated to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services or to secure a personal or business advantage. Frequently, white collar crimes involve deception, concealment, or a violation of trust by the person or business committing the crime. A few examples of white collar crimes in Virginia include, but are not limited to: identity theft, embezzlement, insurance fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, credit card fraud, forgery and uttering of checks, illegal gambling, and computer hacking.

Some cases will require a vigorous defense in the courtroom, others will require a softer touch to get the best possible resolution. Why not take advantage of our experience and give us a call to discuss your case?

Criminal and Traffic Law

Jason W. Todd, Jr.

Joseph A. Korona

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