Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lynchburg

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lynchburg, Virginia?

  434-847-1602 is the non-emergency contact number for the Lynchburg Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lynchburg, Virginia?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case from the Lynchburg Police Department’s Records Unit. Accomplish the Incident Request Form (https://www.lynchburgvapolice.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Incident-Request-Form-1.pdf) and submit it in person or through the mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lynchburg Police Department Records Unit, Public Safety Building, West Building, 905 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504. You may contact the Records Unit at 434-455-6069 five days after submission to check your report release status.

• What are the penalties for a misdemeanor offense in Lynchburg?

  The penalties for a misdemeanor offense in Lynchburg depend on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanor charges are classified into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious offense and Class 4 being the least.

  • Class 1: up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500
  • Class 2: up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000
  • Class 3: may not involve jail time, but a maximum fine of $500
  • Class 4: no jail time, but a maximum fine of $250

• What are some examples of a felony offense in Lynchburg?

  Felonies are considered to be the most serious crime in Lynchburg. They are divided into six classes, with Class 1 being the most serious and Class 6 being the least. Some examples of felony crimes include:

  • Class 1: murder, rape, serious financial crimes, assault
  • Class 2: bigamy, manslaughter
  • Class 3: drug possession, burglary offenses, sex crimes
  • Class 4: human trafficking, gun offenses
  • Class 5: Less serious drug possession and sex crimes
  • Class 6: identity theft, fraud

• What are the penalties for a felony charge in Lynchburg?

  The penalties for a felony offense in Lynchburg will depend on the severity of the criminal charge. The possible punishments for felony charges include:

  • Class 1: life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
  • Class 2: 20 years to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
  • Class 3: five to 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
  • Class 4: two to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
  • Class 5: one to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,500
  • Class 6: one to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,500

• Can you still own a gun after being convicted of a felony in Lynchburg?

  If you have been convicted of a felony in Lynchburg, you will no longer be allowed by law to possess any type of firearm. However, you can set up a gun trust with the help of a criminal defense lawyer. A gun trust can protect your firearms and prevent you from violating the terms of your sentence while serving parole or probation.

• What penalties can you face after being charged with a first DUI offense in Lynchburg?

  If you are charged with your first DUI offense in Lynchburg, you will face a minimum of five days in jail if your BAC is .15 or higher and a minimum of 10 days in jail if your BAC is .20 or higher. Your driver's license will also be suspended for one year, and you will be fined $250. Additionally, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for at least six months.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.