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Criminal Defense
Experienced Roanoke criminal defense attorney fight for the rights of Virginia residents
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Virginia, you need to take your case seriously right from the start. A criminal conviction can result in thousands of dollars in fines and maybe even months or years in jail. Your freedom is at stake.
That's why it's critical you have a lawyer on your side who understands Virginia's criminal defense laws. You need someone who knows how to navigate the legal system, whether you're dealing with a misdemeanor in Rocky Mount or a felony in Franklin County, VA. You need someone who knows what questions to ask and where to search for evidence. You need Davis, Davis, Davis & Davis, PC, on your side, looking out of your best interests.
Founded in 1891, our law firm has a well-earned reputation for winning complicated criminal defense cases throughout Virginia. Attorney William P. Davis is well known in Roanoke and throughout Franklin County, Va., for his tenacious pursuit of justice on behalf of his clients.
What types of criminal defense cases does Davis, Davis, Davis & Davis handle?
Many different types of legal cases require the services of a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia. To find out more about some of the most common - and serious - cases we handle at our law firm, click on any of the following topics:
- Murder Charges
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Drug Charges
- Gun Charges
- Serious Driving Offenses
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding
Whatever type of criminal charge you're facing, make sure you contact us
Why should I hire Davis, Davis, Davis & Davis for my criminal defense case?
When you are arrested or charged with a crime, the stakes are high. Every criminal charge is serious and can change your life. That's why it's important to have an experienced Virginia criminal defense lawyer on your side, building a strong case.
At the Davis law firm, we thoroughly understand the legal system. We know that criminal defendants face an uphill battle. This is especially true in Virginia, where the criminal defense lawyer's ability to conduct "discovery," the process by which evidence is obtained, is extremely limited. Unlike a civil trial, where witnesses are often asked to give depositions and all exhibits must be turned over to opposing counsel before trial, in a criminal trial, the Commonwealth's attorney is required to turn over almost no evidence to the defense.
If you have been accused of a crime or received a ticket in Virginia, the stakes couldn't be higher than they are today. The jail sentences and fines being handed down by judges can be daunting. Don't be caught off guard. Contact us. Call (866) 434-1581 and schedule an appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Murder Charges
If you are convicted of murder in Virginia, you could spend the years or even the rest of your life in prison. Even the lesser charge of manslaughter can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
Without question, charges related to the killing of another person, whether intentional or accident, are extremely serious.
The following are types of manslaughter and murder charges in Virginia:
Manslaughter
You may be charged with involuntary manslaughter (if you kill another person accidentally) or voluntary manslaughter (if you kill someone in the heat of passion but without premeditation). If you cause the death of another person while you are driving recklessly or negligently, you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. The maximum sentence if convicted of manslaughter is 10 years in prison.
Murder
You may be charged with first degree murder if a jury finds you guilty of willful and premeditated killing of another person. A first degree murder conviction carries a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Second degree murder (an unplanned, intentional killing) carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison.
Attorney Davis understands the seriousness of such charges. That's why he and his colleagues work so hard on such cases. They understand that a murder conviction could forever change the course of a person's life.
If you or a loved one has been charged with murder, contact us immediately. We want to meet with you and start investigating your case as soon as possible. Some law firms avoid taking on such tough cases. We thrive on them. Discover what we can do for you. Contact us today.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
If you have been charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Virginia, you may face jail time, fines and a loss of your driver's license. Below is the list of penalties for various DWI convictions in Virginia:
- First Offense - Maximum 12 months in jail, minimum $250 fine and loss of driver's license for 1 year
- Second Offense - Mandatory 10 days to 1 month in jail, minimum $500 fine and indefinite loss of driver's license.
- Third Offense - 90 days to 6 months in jail, mandatory $1,000 fine and indefinite loss of driver's license
- Fourth Offense - Minimum 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine and indefinite loss of driver's license
Drug Charges
Charges related to the possession or distribution of illegal drugs in Virginia carry stiff penalties. Whether you have been charged with possession of marijuana or possession with intent to distribute cocaine or another drug, you could find yourself facing serious fines or spending months or years behind bars. A conviction also can damage your reputation and harm your job prospects. That's why it's important to contact us right away. We can represent you in court and work with you to build a strong case and hopefully have your charges dismissed. We're ready and eager to defend your rights. We're on your side.
Gun Charges
There are many different types of gun charges in Virginia. Some of the most common charges we handle include:
- Concealed gun possession without a permit
- Minor in possession of a gun
- Possession of an unlicensed gun
- llegal firearms
- Hunting-related gun charges
A conviction on a gun charge can have serious consequences. Penalties range from jail terms to lengthy prison sentences. Even a "minor" weapons charge can carry steep finds, probation, driving restrictions or other conditions that might change your life.
Whatever type of gun charge you're facing, we can help. Attorney Davis has years of experience successfully handling such cases. We're ready and eager to tackle your complicated case. Contact us today!
Serious Driving Offenses
If you are driving excessively fast or breaking certain traffic laws, you might be facing more than simply a traffic ticket. You could be arrested, incarcerated or fined hundreds of dollars depending on the nature of your charge. We can help investigate your charge and build a strong case in your defense.
For commercial drivers, for example, some offenses, like failure to stop at a railroad crossing, will never be removed. That's why it's important to consult with an attorney to determine whether it is worthwhile for you to contest a traffic ticket.
Reckless Driving
One definition of reckless driving is traveling at 20 mph over the speed limit or driving in excess of 80 mph. This is a very serious charge, which gives the judge the option of fining you up to $2,500 and sentencing you to twelve (12) months in jail. Most people do not realize that reckless driving is a criminal offense.
As your speed increases, so does the jail time. In most cases, where the driver is traveling at a speed of 90 mph or greater, the trial judge will sentence him to at least one day in jail. This is greater than the mandatory penalty for a first time DUI/DWI offender!
With so much at stake, it's important to take this charge seriously right away. Contact us. We thoroughly understand Virginia's laws and have the case results to prove it. We're eager to work with you and hopefully have your charges dismissed or the consequences minimized.
Speeding
A big reason to contest speeding tickets is the point system. Each moving violation in Virginia will add 3, 4, or 6 points to your total. For example, speeding in excess of 80 mph will add 6 demerit points. Speeding between 10-14 mph over the limit will add 4 demerit points.
This is a very complex system and certain offenses "stick" with your license longer than others do. Drivers who accumulate 8 points in 12 months (or 12 points in 24 months) will receive a notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles warning them that they are close to being over the limit.
Drivers who accumulate 12 points in 12 months (or 18 points in 24 months) will be required to complete a driver improvement course within 90 days. Those drivers who accumulate 18 points in 12 months (or 24 points in 24 months) will have their driving privileges suspended for 90 days and will have to complete a driver improvement course before having those privileges restored.
Take your speeding charge seriously. Contact us. We can work with you and help you decide the best course of action. Call (866) 434-1581 and schedule an appointment today.
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