No one expects to be accused of a crime, much less arrested.  It is a frightening and unpleasant experience.  Whether it was a fight that turned into an assault charge or a traffic stop that became a DUI.  And especially if you have been charged with a serious felony.

It doesn't matter if you are entirely innocent or whether you admit you made a mistake - whether you intend to contest the charges or minimize the damage to protect your future.  Either way, you need answers about the system and what could happen to you. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you. 

There are many questions you will need answered.

1. What penalties am I facing, and what will happen to me if I am found guilty?
2. Can I fight the charges? Can I win? Should I just try to work out a deal?

These are not simple questions with easy answers and you need to consider that any criminal conviction can follow you for the rest of your life.  Pleading guilty is a decision you should not take lightly without first speaking to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Attorney Matthew Crum can help.  He has the experience of defending scores of people just like you, on charges ranging from simple traffic offenses to serious felonies.  He knows the law, the criminal courts, and how these cases can be won, from traffic offenses and DUI to drug possession, assault and more serious offenses.

Criminal law and procedure can be complicated.  There is a lot to know and it can be difficult to find the answers you need to make a good decision.  It is not realistic to think you can negotiate the system without the advice of an experienced attorney.

For example, did you know that:

• Any drug possession risks a loss of license, regardless of whether or not you were arrested in a car. Can you afford to plead guilty or not be able to drive?
• Virginia’s reckless driving laws are very strict. You can face jail time just for driving more than 20mph over the speed limit.  It is the same level of seriousness as a DUI charge (a class 1 misdemeanor).

Can you be sure that the prosecutor will tell you all you need to know, and give you a fair deal if you try to represent yourself in court?

The Crum law office will let you know exactly how we plan to defend you in court. In our case analysis, we’ll advise you on what can help your case, what can bring about a dismissal or reduction in the charges and how we can negotiate a successful plea agreement.

It is impossible for any lawyer to effectively spell out what he or she can do for you without speaking to you and getting all the facts necessary to analyze your case. Many defenses only reveal themselves after a significant investigation and discovery of the facts in your case.

So if you are facing a traffic offense or criminal charge in Virginia, whether it is a drunk-driving case, drug possession, assault, reckless driving, or any other charge, please call for a consultation.