Winchester Misdemeanor Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Misdemeanor Charges in VA

• Fines
• Restitution
• License suspension

Although misdemeanor charges are seen as less serious crimes, it is still a criminal offense and should not be taken lightly. Make sure that you have a competent representation to avoid facing punishments by seeking the legal services of the Winchester misdemeanor lawyers at Amable Law.

Your Winchester misdemeanor defense attorney is prepared to personally handle your case, no matter the classification. Contact Amable Law Today at (540) 739-2001.

Understanding Virginia's Misdemeanor Classifications

In the state of Virginia, there are five different categories of misdemeanors: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, and unclassified. The four classes simply describe the different levels of sentencing severity that misdemeanors can have and are laid out in the Code of Virginia § 18.2-11.

Class 1 Misdemeanor:

• The offender can receive up to a year in jail and can be fined up to $2500; e.g. petit larceny, domestic Assault, DUI, and reckless driving.

Class 2 Misdemeanor:

• The offender can receive up to six months of jailtime and can be fined up to $1000; e.g. possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, driving without a license.

Class 3 Misdemeanor:

• The offender can be fined up to $500; e.g. Unintentional Vandalism (without the intent to steal), Possession of lower-level prescription drugs (schedule V).

Class 4 Misdemeanor:

• The offender can be fined up to $250; e.g. public intoxication, possession of a schedule VI controlled substance.

Unclassified Misdemeanor:

• The offender can be charged based on the severity of the crime and discretion of the judge as a class 1 misdemeanor.

It is important to understand that a criminal act, such as larceny or drug charges, can be categorized in multiple different classes of misdemeanors in VA and even as a felony. It mostly depends on the circumstances of the case, such as whether the defendant is a repeat offender, who was involved (such as minors), and the severity of the crime. The presence of such aggravating circumstances may bump a criminal offense into a more severe sentencing.

Penalties for a Class 1 Misdemeanor Conviction in Virginia 

A Class 1 misdemeanor in the state of Virginia is the most serious misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face a $2,500 fine and 12 months in jail. Petit larceny and domestic violence are examples of crimes that can be class 1 misdemeanors.

Class 3 Misdemeanor Charges 

In Virginia, a class 3 misdemeanor is one of the least serious misdemeanors which can be penalized by fines, but not jail time. If you are charged with a class 3 misdemeanor, you could face a $500 fine. On the other hand, if you are charged with a class 4 misdemeanor you could face a $250 fine.