Alexandria Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused, charged, and later arrested for any crime is something a person should not take lightly because it can affect their lives and their loved ones. While it can be tempting to defend yourself and not get legal support to save money, the law can be very confusing, and if you have committed a previous offense, the penalties may be ones you did not anticipate. With this in mind, it is best to reach out to an experienced Alexandria criminal defense attorney who can help you out. In Alexandria, The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC is the legal team you might be looking for.

Whether this is your first offense or a repeat offense, either a misdemeanor or a felony, our legal team is ready to help. We are dedicated to providing each client with tailored legal support and representation regardless of their situation. We will review the case once you reach out to us and work with you to build the defense we will use to defend your name in court. You will also get all the tools and resources you need to prepare for any eventuality of your case, even if you are found guilty of the crime.

We offer a Free Case Consultation if you are looking for legal advice or have questions. Once you reach out to us, our firm will be your legal support from start to finish!

Call The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC at (703) 810-3571 for your Free Case Consultation!

Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC, we believe that clients facing any type of criminal charges deserve access to a trustworthy and experienced criminal law firm that can help them with their legal problems, whether it is the first time or they have prior offenses.

We make it a point to speak to our clients to know their situation and assess the evidence presented by the prosecution. This will then allow us to know what defense is perfect for the case and prepare you at the same time for any possible outcome for the case.

Every client will be assigned to one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers, who will use their valuable expertise and resources to provide the correct legal support the client needs. We will also make sure you are aware of each action we take to reduce the impact it will have on your life.

Here are some of the cases we can help you with at The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI cases are quite common, and many were falsely made because of faulty alcohol sobriety tests, untrained officers, and misinterpreted results.

Every situation is different and deserves to be treated as it’s own unique case.

If you are facing a DUI charge and believe you were charged falsely, contact us, and we’ll check the evidence presented by the police for their case.

Drug Crimes

Drug-related crimes are the most prosecuted in any state, and you must know the drug laws in the state to determine what penalties will be imposed if you are found guilty of the crime. Our team can help you determine what laws will be used when assessing your case and prepare the defense to help you clear your name or reduce the potential penalties you may incur.

Violent Crimes/Assault

From assault to murder, The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC has the skill to serve as your legal representation. We will help you understand the penalties if you are found guilty and how we will aggressively defend your position.

We will take your unique situation and all the relevant facts into consideration while developing a defense strategy for your case.

If possible, we will also negotiate for a lower sentence or a case dismissal, depending on your situation.

Sex Crimes

Whether you are facing charges of sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape, The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC can offer you an aggressive defense. We will assess your specific case thoroughly and develop a comprehensive plan for your defense.

Our Alexandria crimial defense lawyer will pursue the best possible outcome for your case given the evidence at hand and your unique situation.

White Collar Crimes/Theft

We can also help you with white-collar crimes such as theft, fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. Our legal team can look into the accusations, help you build the defense, and represent you in court.

Our Alexandria criminal defense attorney can help you no matter what type of criminal case is directed against you. We will look at all the evidence and even your prior convictions and build the defense. If needed, we will adjust the defense accordingly to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation, which has the least negative impact.

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What to Do If You are Arrested

When you get arrested, your reaction can be either anger or panic because of the implications the arrest will bring to your life. You will try your best to defend yourself and even resist arrest. While your reaction is understandable, reacting this way can be dangerous, not just for your safety but also for your defense.

It is important to remember that you are not yet considered guilty of committing any charges until you are proven guilty in court. You also do not need to prove your innocence during your arrest, especially if you are not told of the charges and the penalties involved once you are brought to jail.

If you are arrested in Alexandria, VA, or anywhere in the country, you must react accordingly to protect yourself and strengthen your defense:

• Stay calm and be polite – As mentioned above, it is natural that you would want to defend yourself or fight if confronted by the police. Whether you are guilty or not, being arrested is a traumatic experience you want to avoid at all costs. However, being aggressive or disrespectful in this day and age can result in severe injury and death. Your actions may also affect your defense. When you are arrested, stay calm and be polite in declining the police’s questions until your attorney can join you and advise you on what to do.
• Invoke your right to remain silent – You are not obligated under the law to provide any information to the police when they take you in custody. Anything you say to them can be used against you. By reaching out to an attorney immediately, they can tell you what to say and not say to the police. While waiting for your attorney, invoke your rights to stay silent.
• Speak to your attorney ASAP – Once in custody, you will be given one chance to call someone to let them know about your predicament. While your first option may be your loved ones, you should use your opportunity to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney instead. With a criminal defense attorney, you will be able to understand the situation better and provide you with the right legal advice which will help your defense. Your attorney can even call your family on your behalf and reassure them that you are getting the right support to protect your rights.

When you find yourself in this situation, remember that it isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to get legal support and a chance to defend yourself in court. So, if you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC. We will immediately meet up with you and provide legal advice while preparing the defense we will use in court.

Virginia Criminal Defense Process

Virginia has a very straightforward criminal judicial process that enables the court to decide on cases quickly. If you are not ready, you may face sentencing before you have the chance to defend yourself.

For most misdemeanors and felonies, the Virginia criminal judicial process is as follows:

• Arrest

An arrest can be ordered by the court or a magistrate through a warrant of arrest or if the police see that a crime has been committed or there is probable cause to believe that one has committed a felony.

• Booking

Once the defendant is arrested, they will be booked by the police in jail. Their profile will be verified, and their photograph and fingerprints will be taken. They will also be detained during this time before they are asked to appear before a magistrate or a judge.

• Bond or Bail

Immediately after the arrest, the defendant is brought before a judge or magistrate who would determine if they can post for bond or bail. Usually, a defendant is allowed to post for bail or bond unless the judge or magistrate determines that the defendant is a danger to himself, the public or poses a risk of fleeing the state.

• Arraignment/Advisement/First Appearance

The arraignment is the first official hearing for the criminal case. During this time, the defendant is told of his or her charges and right to legal representation. The court will also ask the defendant if they already have legal counsel to support the defendant. If they do not have legal counsel, the court can assign it on the defendant’s behalf. The defendant can waive counsel if they wish it. The court will then schedule another court date, which can be either a preliminary hearing for felony cases or a trial for misdemeanor charges.

• Preliminary Hearing

During a preliminary hearing, the court will review the case presented by the prosecution to determine if there is probable cause for the charges and if there should be a trial. If there is probable cause, the case will be referred to a grand jury, who will then determine if there is probable cause to the case. An indictment will be ordered if there is probable cause. If there is no probable cause, the case will be dismissed.

• Trial

A bench trial or a trial without a jury is often done for misdemeanor charges, with the judge serving as the factfinder. Felony charges, meanwhile, are a jury or bench trial. The felony trial will start with a jury selection process, and the prosecution and defense will be given a chance to question the jury to see if they can make an impartial verdict. After the jury is selected, both the defense and prosecution will be given a chance to provide their evidence and witnesses, cross-examining the other’s evidence and witnesses.

Once both sides have presented their case, the judge or jury will give their verdict. If the defendant is guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. It is important to note that the jury may determine they are unable to reach a verdict if the evidence and witnesses do not provide them with all the information they need to make a verdict.

• Appeal

If there are any errors during the trial, the defendant has the right to appeal the case. When this occurs, the appellate courts take over and review the trial proceedings to see if there are errors that affect the verdict or the sentence. Any misdemeanor charge heard in the General District Court has an automatic right to appeal, which means that a defendant can appeal their case to the Circuit Court for a new trial.

It is important to note that not all criminal cases end with a trial or an appeal. Depending on the defendant’s situation, a plea offer may be the best possible option. The case may also be dismissed if the prosecutor cannot make a case.

With the help of our Alexandria criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC, you will be able to understand the criminal process and the laws involved in your case. You will also have a strong legal team ready to defend you in court and negotiate for the ideal sentence or penalty which will have the least impact on your future.

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Let’s Talk Now – Free Case Consultation

When you find yourself facing any criminal charge, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to help you with your defense. They can also provide legal advice to prepare you for the trial and make the best legal decisions for your future.

With our Alexandria, VA criminal law firm as your partner, we will make the criminal process easier to understand and work with you to create the defense we will use to defend your rights. We will adjust our legal strategies accordingly as the case progresses, inform you, and fight for a lower penalty to the best of our ability. You can count on us to be with you every step and give you the legal support you need whenever you need it.

Contact us through our hotline and avail our Free Case Consultation to know more about our legal services. We look forward to working with you as we deal with your legal problems regardless of their severity.

Call The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC at (703) 810-3571 for your Free Case Consultation!