Retain David A. Cardon, Top Defense Attorney, for Your Felony Charge

About Felony Charges

Many people are surprised at some of the offenses that constitute a felony charge. For example, if a 20-year-old sells marijuana to a 17-year-old minor, the defendant could be convicted of a felony with a mandatory prison sentence. Drug charges that include any sale or distribution of controlled substances are usually felonies.  

The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor is a year in jail and $2,500 fine, but many felony convictions involve extended prison time and hefty fines. A felony has a permanent place on your record and results in long term loss of civil and personal rights. You lose the right to vote or own a firearm, and you may suffer permanent occupational restrictions. It is essential that you seek help from an experienced criminal defense attorney because of the complexities of felony cases.

There are six classes of felonies in Virginia, with penalties varying according to the severity of the crime. Felony incarceration takes place in a state correctional facility rather than county jail. The potential penalties increase if a crime is considered a second or third offense.

Class Type	Example Crimes	Penalties
Class 1	First degree and capital murder	Life in prison or death penalty, fine up to $100,000
Class 2	Second degree murder, manslaughter, rape, abduction, armed robbery, aggravated malicious wounding	Prison 20 years to life, fine up to $100,000
Class 3	Assault with deadly weapon, burglary, drug trafficking	Prison 5-20 years, fine up to $100,000
Class 4	Embezzlement, arson, pimping, grand larceny	Prison 2-10 years, fine up to $100,000
Class 5	Involuntary manslaughter, extortion, battery, drug possession	Prison 1-10 years
Class 6	Animal cruelty, donating blood infected with HIV, repeated larceny	Prison up to 5 years

You do have rights, and there is reason to hope. As your attorney, David Cardon can scrutinize police and court protocol to ensure your constitutional rights have not been violated.

David A. Cardon can provide you with guidance and representation every step of the way, working to help secure your freedom and defend your innocence.

A police officer must be able to demonstrate that he or she had probable cause to arrest you. You must be informed of your rights, including the right to remain silent, and given the chance to contact a criminal defense lawyer and your loved ones. You are not limited to a single phone call. You must be formally charged with a crime within a reasonable time or you must be released. You may be given the chance to post bail to secure your release or may be asked to enter a plea first at an arraignment hearing. It is best to speak to your attorney prior to your arraignment. Preparation is key, and attorney Cardon will ensure you are fully prepared for hearings, pre-trial conferences, and the courtroom, if applicable. 

David A. Cardon can provide you with guidance and representation every step of the way, working to help secure your freedom and defend your innocence. All pertinent evidence will be carefully reviewed and witnesses thoroughly evaluated to develop your defense strategy. Many potential defense scenarios will be considered on your behalf, with the goal of creating reasonable doubt or mitigating your consequences. 

Protect Your Legal Rights

Our attorney is always accessible, compassionate, and easy to talk to. Please contact us today to speak with David Cardon or schedule a free consultation.