Criminal Law Faq

Criminal Defense FAQs in Virginia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, & Massachusetts

Our Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina & Virginia criminal lawyers are frequently asked questions regarding criminal defense.   After you read this, if you wish to talk to our criminal defense lawyers in Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina & Virginia, please feel free to call us or contact us via our fast on line form.  We are here to defend you.

Contact us to speak with a criminal lawyer who is skilled & effective at assisting clients in need a of quality criminal defense in Virginia, New York, Maryland or Massachusetts. You can either call one of our offices in Virginia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, or Massachusetts or contact us online.

• In Virginia, we have offices in Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Hampton Roads/Tidewater area and Western Virginia.  The following are our specific office locations in Virginia: Fairfax, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond & Virginia Beach.
• In Maryland, we have offices in Rockville & Annapolis.
• In Massachusetts, we have an office in Boston.
• In New York, we have an office in New York City.

What should I look for when I am hiring a criminal defense lawyer?

If you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer either for yourself or a loved one, you should first and foremost look at the criminal defense attorney's qualifications. Then you should talk to the lawyer about his/her criminal defense experience and expertise in defending criminal charges. Also, make sure that you inquire about the attorney's experience in defending the specific criminal matter you have been charged with. There are many attorneys who claim to be criminal defense attorneys, but have a very limited trial experience. Make sure the criminal defense lawyer you hire is a seasoned trial attorney. Lastly, make sure the criminal trial attorney you hire has regularly appeared before the judges of the county or city you have been charged in. Each county or city has its own particular nuances and you do not want a criminal defense attorney who does not know about the particular court.

I really want to talk to someone about my criminal case. Is it okay for me to talk with my friends or family about my criminal charges?

How does a criminal case start?

What is the difference between a felony vs. a misdemeanor?

What happens in a criminal trial?

Can anyone say anything about me in a criminal trial?

Is the criminal justice system really designed to afford me the concept of innocent till proven guilty?

What does it mean to be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt?

What does it mean to make a guilty plea?

If I am charged with a crime, it is possible to plea bargain?

Does my criminal defense lawyer decide to make a plea bargain or do I decide to make a plea bargain?

What other factors should I consider when I am deciding whether to go to trial vs. entering a plea of guilty to a criminal charge?

Some attorneys are claiming that they can guarantee the outcome of my case if I pay their fee. Other attorneys are saying no attorney can guarantee the outcome of my case. Who is correct?

Criminal Justice - What To Expect in "The System"

What can you expect after your arrest and you're brought into the criminal justice system?

Do I Need A Lawyer At My Arraignment?

Criminal Defense Lawyers: Well Worth The Expense ?

Many people ask how much it'll cost to hire a defense attorney. There are no hard and fast rules. Defense attorneys set their own fees, which vary according to a number of factors::

• The Case Complexity. Felony defense usually costs more than misdemeanors, for the simple fact felonies carry greater penalties and are likely to involve more work for the attorney.
• The Attorney's Experience. Generally, less-experienced attorneys set lower fees than their more-experienced colleagues. It's like everything else in life... you get what you pay for.
• Geography. Yes - where you live does play a role. For instance, in Massachusetts or Virginia, legal representation will be higher than say a similar case in rural Maryland. It's simply more expensive to do business in certain areas - and that has a great impact on the going legal rates.

Rules of Thumb: If you are charged with a misdemeanor, don't be surprised to spend in the neighborhood of $1,000-$5,000 in legal fees. In a felony case, a competent attorney may well run from $5,000-$25,000.

Unless you've had prior dealings with your attorney, or are fortunate to have legal help on retainer, most criminal defense attorneys will want all or a substantial portion of the fee paid up front. Contingency fees, arrangements where the lawyer gets paid only if he wins the case, are not allowed in criminal cases.

Self Representation

Self Representation

Other Defenses: Entrapment, Insanity, Self Defense, Alibis

Entrapment

A valid entrapment defense has two related pieces:

Insanity and the "McNaghten" Rule

Incompetent to Stand Trial

Self Defense

This leads us to the question: How much force can you apply in self-defense?

Make My Day Laws

When Self Defense is No Defense

Alibi

Sex With A Minor

The Ultimate Punishment - Defending Against The Death Penalty