What to Expect if You’ve Been Accused of a Federal Crime in Virginia

If you’ve been charged with a federal felony then your Virginia criminal defense lawyer is likely going to try to settle your case or have it dismissed prior to trial. While your attorney will make sure that your rights are protected, it is important to know the stages of a federal criminal case in Virginia.

Virginia Criminal Case Procedures

As a criminal defendant you should be prepared for:

  • An initial appearance. At this appearance you will be informed of your constitutional rights, including your right to counsel. You will also be informed of the charges against you and the maximum sentence associated with those charges.
  • A bail hearing. If the federal government wants you detained then bail will be the next matter brought before the court. In some cases it may be raised at the initial appearance, or it could occur a few days later.
  • An arraignment. If an initial appearance was not held and you are indicted by a grand jury then you may learn of the charges against you and the specifics of the indictment at an arraignment.
  • Pretrial motions. There are many different types of pretrial motions that may be brought in your case. Those motions include motions to dismiss, motions about evidence, and other types of motions that could end, or have a significant bearing, on your federal criminal case.
  • Plea Bargaining. You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Plea bargaining is the equivalent of settlement negotiations in civil cases and may occur during the course of your federal case.
  • Trial. It is at trial that arguments and evidence are presented to the court and to a jury by both the government prosecutors and your Northern Virginia defense lawyer. If the case ends in a not guilty verdict then the case is complete. If, however, the case ends in a guilty verdict then your case is not finished.
  • Sentencing. A sentencing hearing may be held to determine what the penalties will be for your conviction.

The time line for these steps of a Virginia federal criminal case may differ and you may, or may not, get to all of them before having your case dismissed or a plea bargain accepted.

Criminal Procedures May be Complicated

There are important decisions to make at each stage of a criminal case. Thus, it is important to be prepared, to know your rights, and to fight for justice. For more information about protecting your rights, please contact a Fairfax federal criminal defense lawyer today.

Gretchen L. Taylor

Recent Posts

Race Discrimination Lawyer FAQs

What are some examples of racial harassment?   Racial harassment can include racial slurs, jokes,…

3 days ago

Mediation and Arbitration Lawyers in Northern Virginia

Mediation and arbitration lawyers in Northern Virginia can help you resolve conflicts or legal issues…

1 week ago

Lawyer for Wrongful Termination Due to Disability

If you believe you were fired unlawfully, you may need an attorney for wrongful termination…

2 weeks ago

Virginia Lawyer for Non-Disclosure Agreements: Reviews, Counseling & Litigation

Whether you have been presented with a non-disclosure agreement or are considering leaving your current…

3 weeks ago

Collective Bargaining Attorney in Virginia

Collective bargaining is a process by which unions and management negotiate contracts and determine terms…

4 weeks ago

Can I Be Fired While on Medical Leave in Virginia?

When you are facing a medical crisis, you shouldn’t also have to worry about losing…

1 month ago