Suffolk, VA
Respected Hampton Roads Law Firm Representing Individuals Charged with Serious Crimes
Facing criminal charges is stressful, regardless of whether this is your first arrest or you’ve been through the system many times before. Aside from the obvious consequences of going to jail, paying thousands of dollars in fines, and reporting to a probation officer, a conviction can make it harder to get into school or find a job. If you’ve been charged with a crime, you need a Suffolk criminal defense attorney who is ready to take on the prosecution head-on. You need Robinson Law, PLLC.
What to Expect in a Suffolk, VA Criminal Case
Every state, and every city, has a slightly different process when it comes to prosecuting crime. In Virginia, all criminal cases are heard at either the district court or circuit court. The district court hears less serious cases, such as cases involving simple assault and shoplifting. The circuit court hears felony trials, which are those punishable by more than 12 months in jail. However, district courts oversee preliminary hearings in felony trials, meaning you will need to attend court dates at both courts.
The Suffolk General District Court and the Suffolk Circuit Court are both located at 150 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.
After your arrest, the next step is arraignment, where the court will advise you of the charges brought against you. The court will also ask if you have an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one. However, if you plan on hiring a lawyer, the court will give you time to do so.
If you have a lawyer, they may be able to waive your presence at the arraignment so you won’t have to go to court. After arraignment, misdemeanor cases will get a trial date and felony trials a preliminary hearing date. While general process applies broadly across all cases, every case is different, and a Suffolk criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the exact timeframe and what to expect in your specific situation.
Should I Call a Suffolk, VA Criminal Defense Attorney After an Arrest?
Yes, if you are charged with a crime in Suffolk, it is imperative that you reach out to an attorney as quickly as possible. If you are in custody, an attorney can request a bond hearing, asking the judge to reduce your bail. Fighting your case from the street not only secures your freedom but also allows you to participate more meaningfully in developing your defense. An attorney will also listen to what is important to you and prepare your case accordingly. For example, you may ask your attorney to focus on getting certain charges dropped in exchange for a plea to less serious offenses. Or, your defense attorney can pursue a motion to suppress evidence that the Commonwealth plans to use against you. If your case ends up going to trial, an attorney will ensure that you have a compelling defense to all charges. This involves conducting a thorough investigation, interviewing witnesses, cross-examining government witnesses and preparing opening and closing remarks.
We Represent Clients in All Types of Suffolk Criminal Cases
At Robinson Law, we hold strongly to the belief that every person deserves the best defense. We don’t prioritize cases based on the seriousness of the allegations or your prior record; we take every case as seriously as though it was our own. Our dedicated criminal defense lawyers routinely handle the following cases:
- Assault and battery cases
- Drug offenses
- DUI and DWI charges
- Juvenile offenses
- Theft crimes
- Gun and weapons offenses
- Sex crimes
- Traffic offenses
- Violations of probation
Our Suffolk, VA criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of experience defending our clients’ rights and helping them move on with their life after an arrest. We will fight for you.
Contact Robinson Law to Discuss Your Case
If you’ve been arrested for a crime, give us a call to see how we can help. We provide an exceptional level of representation to every client we serve, regardless of the allegations. Whether we are negotiating a favorable plea agreement, arguing to keep evidence out of trial, or litigating your case in front of the judge or jury, we will stand up for you at every step of the way. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today, call 703-542-3616. We handle cases throughout Hampton Roads, including in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.