Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with any crime can have serious short-term and long-term effects on your life. Depending on the seriousness of the offense you are charged with, you could be facing anything from the temporary hassle of being on probation for a few months to a lifetime behind bars. Some offenses carry specific consequences that other offenses do not. For example, a DUI conviction could mean losing your driving privileges, or a sexual battery conviction could mean being forced to register as a sex offender for many years.

Fortunately, you have the right to be represented by an attorney and to put forth a defense. Arrests are often made even when the evidence is too weak to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Other factors could also affect your case, such as violations of your rights by police officers. Having strong legal representation can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Noorishad Law, P.C. believes that no case is hopeless or unwinnable. Experienced Fairfax County, VA criminal defense attorney Kaveh Noorishad will carefully review the facts and circumstances of your case to help identify the best possible defense strategies. He can take on even the most complex and challenging criminal cases involving serious offenses like sex crimes and homicide. When your freedom and future are at stake, you need the lawyer other lawyers hire. Attorney Noorishad has been recognized for his outstanding work in criminal defense cases by professional organizations like Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers.

DUI Defense Strategies

If you have been arrested for impaired driving, this may be your first contact with the criminal justice system. You may be concerned about the effects that a DUI charge could have on your life, including whether you could lose your driver's license, whether you may be required to pay large fines, how your career may be affected, and whether you may be sentenced to time in jail. Legal representation is crucial in these cases to ensure that you will be able to minimize the ways you may be affected.

A first-time DUI charge can be serious enough. However, repeat DUI charges are likely to result in more severe penalties, since you could be seen as a threat to public safety. Charges will also be more serious in situations where felony DUI charges may apply, such as when an accident occurred and someone was seriously injured.

Our lawyer can help you determine your options as you address DUI charges and work to avoid a conviction. Some common defenses in DUI cases include:

• Showing that field sobriety tests were unfair or unreliable
• Questioning the accuracy of blood or breath test results
• Proving that the traffic stop was unconstitutional

Defenses to Possession-Based Crimes

Criminal charges may be based on allegations of the possession of illegal materials. Drug possession, firearm possession in a prohibited location or by a felon, and child pornography cases all have something in common: the state must be able to prove that you were knowingly in possession of the unlawful items. Defenses used in possession cases may include:

• Lack of Knowledge: A prosecutor must prove that you knowingly possessed the item or items in question. Our attorney may argue that you were not aware of illegal drugs that were found in your home or car or that you had no knowledge of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) that had been downloaded to your computer.
• Lack of Possession: In cases where multiple people had access to a vehicle, location, or device, it may be possible to show that you were not aware of illicit materials. Someone else may have stored drugs on your property without your knowledge, or another person may have used your computer to access CSAM.
• Misidentified Contraband: The police can sometimes mistake innocuous substances for drugs, or toy guns may be misidentified as firearms. Materials may be misidentified as child pornography when they did not actually depict minors.

Our lawyer can also address situations where possession charges escalate into more serious offenses. In cases involving large quantities of drugs, law enforcement officials may claim that you had an intent to distribute these substances, and they may charge you with drug distribution. If you are accused of downloading CSAM over the internet, the transfer of data across public networks or the storage of files in online accounts could lead to claims that these materials were distributed to others, leading to more serious charges. We can provide a defense against these charges while working to minimize the potential penalties that you may face.

Violent Crimes Defense

In a simple assault and battery or domestic violence case, there may be little evidence to demonstrate what happened before the police arrived. On the other end of the violent crime spectrum, manslaughter and murder cases often involve extensive evidence. Our attorney can make sure the evidence in these cases will be addressed correctly. He can help you understand the penalties that you may face and the best options for defense.

Common defenses to violent crime accusations include:

• Self-Defense: Police cannot always tell the aggressor from the victim, and they may arrest the wrong person. Our lawyer can help you demonstrate that you were acting reasonably to protect yourself or others from harm.
• Lack of Evidence: There may not be enough evidence to support a conviction, especially in less serious cases where the alleged victim was not injured. Our attorney can review the evidence in your case, determine whether it may be challenged, and gather other evidence that may help to prove your innocence.

Our lawyer can also help address protective orders that may be issued in cases involving accusations of domestic violence or other violent crimes. These orders can place serious restrictions on your life, since they could prevent you from returning to your home or contacting your family members. We will help you address the accusations you are facing and work to minimize potential restrictions as we help you defend against violent crime charges.

Defending a Sexual Assault Case

Rape and sexual battery are extremely serious sex crimes. Common defenses that may be used in these cases include:

• Attacking the alleged victim's credibility or character, calling the truthfulness of their statements into question
• Showing that the alleged victim consented to sexual activity
• Arguing that no force or intimidation was used
• Presenting evidence that the victim was not so intoxicated that they were helpless and unable to consent

A sex crime conviction can be life-altering. Fighting back with an attorney's help is critical. Our lawyer will work to prevent a conviction that could lead to sex offender registration or other serious penalties.

Addressing Theft and Property Crime Charges

Offenses involving the theft of money or property can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of property that was allegedly stolen and other circumstances of a case. Our attorney can defend against charges of:

• Larceny: This is the term that is generally used for theft charges in Virginia. Our lawyer can help defend against misdemeanor petit larceny charges involving property worth less than $1,000 or felony grand larceny charges that may apply in other situations.
• Robbery: When theft allegations involve the use of force, charges of robbery may apply. This offense is considered a violent crime, and it is a felony that carries substantial penalties.
• Burglary: Breaking and entering into a dwelling with the intent to commit theft, assault, sexual battery, or another crime can lead to serious criminal charges. Most of the time, burglary is a felony, and it may be charged along with other offenses.
• Embezzlement: The alleged theft of money or property from a person's employer or another party who entrusted them to hold or manage property can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney

Noorishad Law, P.C. is dedicated to providing outstanding criminal defense services. Kaveh Noorishad will do all he can to secure the results you need. Contact our Fairfax, VA criminal defense lawyer at 703-542-4500 for a complimentary consultation.