When you are arrested and charged with a crime, it is common to feel as though you have no control over the situation. The police are trained to make suspects believe that a conviction is inevitable and that their only viable option is to confess and plead guilty. However, this is rarely true. You have the right to remain silent, and you have options when you have been charged with a crime. This is why the right to an attorney is so important. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can spot flaws in the evidence or determine what affirmative defenses may be available based on the particular circumstances of your case.
Noorishad Law, P.C. strives to make the impossible possible in criminal cases. Experienced Manassas, VA criminal defense attorney Kaveh Noorishad is the lawyer other lawyers hire. He will take the time to understand your needs and priorities before advising you on the ideal course of action. Attorney Noorishad is highly accomplished in the courtroom. He has taken on numerous complex and high-profile cases with outstanding results. Professional organizations like the American Institute of Criminal Attorneys and the National Trial Lawyers have recognized Attorney Noorishad for his skill in criminal defense.
The seriousness of a criminal case will often depend on whether an offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanors offenses are often thought of as less serious crimes, and they usually have a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Felonies, on the other hand, are almost always considered to be serious, and a conviction will typically result in a minimum sentence of one year in prison. However, the penalties can increase significantly in cases involving aggravating factors such as alleged victims who were seriously injured or killed. In some cases, felony convictions could lead to sentences of life in prison.
Regardless of whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you will want to make sure you have legal representation. Any type of criminal conviction can limit your future opportunities, since employers, landlords, or others may perform background checks and uncover criminal records. Whether you are looking at years or decades in prison or less serious penalties like fines and driver's license suspension, working with an attorney to defend against a conviction is crucial.
Going to trial may be your best option if you have a strong affirmative defense. It may also be the correct approach if the evidence is weak, but not weak enough to have your case dismissed outright. For example, say you are charged with assault and battery. If you were defending yourself, your attorney may recommend going to trial and asserting your self-defense claim. Or, if you are charged with rape and need to take steps to avoid a sex crime conviction, going to trial and seeking an acquittal may be the best way to protect yourself. Attorney Noorishad will make sure you are informed of your options, and he will provide the representation you need throughout your case.
The court can dismiss a criminal case if there is good reason to believe that the state could not possibly prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty in a trial. DUI cases are often dismissed for lack of evidence after a criminal defense lawyer proves that important evidence, like the results of a BAC test, was unreliable. Some weapons charges or even child pornography charges can be dismissed if evidence was discovered during an illegal search.
In some cases, you may also qualify for deferred prosecution. This means that you would have to complete a period of court supervision, which often includes mental health or substance abuse treatment. If you successfully complete the program, your case can be dismissed.
Noorishad Law, P.C. will consider the facts and circumstances of your case as well as your personal priorities when planning your defense. Dedicated Manassas, VA criminal defense lawyer Kaveh Noorishad will fight to keep you from being convicted. Contact us at 703-542-4500 for a complimentary consultation.