Criminal Defense Lawyer Blacksburg VA

As a criminal defense lawyer in Blacksburg, Virginia, I help clients in misdemeanor and felony cases involving driving while intoxicated (DWI); possession of marijuana; minor in possession of alcohol (MIP); reckless driving; shoplifting; student conduct matters; and, other serious criminal offenses.

Experienced Criminal Defense in Blacksburg VA

Prior to opening an office handling criminal defense matters, I worked as a state prosecutor and handled many of the same offenses that clients in Blacksburg may face: possession of marijuana; minor in possession of alcohol; driving offenses; and misdemeanor criminal matters. I worked as a felony state prosecutor in Danville, before moving into private practice.

A lot is at stake in a criminal case, especially if it involves a student, and I rely on my experience as a state prosecutor to help protect your record, your job, and your future.

The decision to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Blacksburg is an important one. It is no different than hiring an attorney for any other matter, such as workers compensation lawyer in Roanoke, child custody lawyer in Roanoke, or a DUI lawyer in Virginia Beach. By developing a boutique criminal defense practice, I focus on what matters most: devoting the time, attention, and resources necessary to fight for your rights.

Blacksburg Criminal Defense Court Process

If you are charged with a crime in Blacksburg, you will receive a summons or a warrant informing you of the nature of the charge and the Virginia statute that you are charged with violating. You can find this information under the Law Section on the left side of the charging document.

You will also receive a court date – either an arraignment, where you are formally advised of the charge and presented with your right to hire a lawyer, or a hearing, where you will appear to challenge the charge itself. Generally, arraignments are scheduled within 3-5 days after you are charged. The hearing takes place 30-60 days after the incident, and in many cases, you will have the right to a continuance to prepare.

Criminal cases in Blacksburg are heard in the Montgomery County court, which includes cases from Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech campus, Christiansburg, and the surrounding county. There are three courts in the Montgomery County courthouse: the Montgomery County General District Court, the Montgomery County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, and the Montgomery County Circuit Court.

The far majority of cases are heard at the Montgomery County General District Court. That is where cases involving marijuana, underage possession of alcohol, and traffic offenses are heard. The judges in the General District Court will weigh the underlying facts; any defenses; and, render a sentence pursuant to Virginia statute. Note, there is a possibility that the case can be resolved without a conviction, if it is a first offense, and we will work together to raise any defenses that might be available to you to protect your record.

Criminal Defense for Virginia Tech Students

Additionally, if the case involves a student on the Virginia Tech campus, there is a likelihood that the Virginia Tech Office of Student Conduct will be involved in scheduling a disciplinary meeting. The Student Conduct office has jurisdiction over criminal cases, even if the incident took place off campus.

As a criminal defense lawyer in Blacksburg, I regularly help Virginia Tech students who have been charged with a criminal defense to resolve student conduct disciplinary proceedings. You have a right to a lawyer during the Virginia Tech student conduct process, and I can help assist in preparing a defense to mitigate student disciplinary consequences.

What’s Next?

Every case starts with a free initial 30-minute consultation. We can meet to review what happened and determine how to proceed. Or, we can discuss the matter by phone. Every case is handled on a flat fee. By the conclusion of our free consultation, you will have a precise quote and action plan to defend against the charge.

For a free consultation, call today at (540) 204-7810.