Experienced Virginia Criminal Lawyer Defense Trial Attorneys

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are distinguished lawyers who specialized in defending criminal cases.Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law understands that facing the criminal justice system after being accused of committing a criminal offense is a frightening experience. Our law firm works directly with each client at every stage of the case, from arrest to verdict. We have developed creative solutions and the skill to deliver highly personalized service for each client after specializing in criminal law for over 60 collective years.

***Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in all Virginia Courts***

Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” for Virginia Criminal Law

A Best Law Firm for Virginia Criminal Law and Traffic Defense Our Virginia criminal lawyers have a proven track record of using trial skills and negotiation skills along with a detailed familiarity with the criminal justice system to develop an effective defense strategy. Our attorneys know how to effectively defend a criminal case and are not afraid to challenge the evidence in tough cases. We fight for our clients using every legal resource to achieve the possible outcome.

Top Rated Virginia Criminal Lawyer Defense Trial Attorneys

Very professional law firm. In my case, Riley & Wells provided me with the representation and guidance that led to a complete dismissal. I highly recommend Riley & Wells should you need representation with driving or criminal matters.
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Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend Virginia Criminal Cases

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney – Eastern District of Virginia

Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys defend criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia Courthouse.The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is commonly known as the Rocket Docket. Our federal criminal defense lawyers regularly defend federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia’s Richmond Division. The federal criminal code is VERY complex. You need a professional with experience if you are facing federal criminal charges. We can help!

Effective Virginia Criminal Defense

the u.s. constitution guarantees certain protections for those accused of criminal offensesThe U.S. Constitution requires the prosecution to prove every element of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt before the accused can be convicted or found guilty of the allegation. Reasonable doubt is required in criminal proceedings under the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If there is a reasonable doubt then the defendant is to be found NOT GUILTY!

Zealous Criminal Law Representation

virginia criminal defense attorneys that fight for their clients before the virginia courtsWe are serious about protecting our clients. The United States Constitution sets forth certain rights and the protections that are afforded to everyone accused of committing a criminal offense. One such constitutional right is that every defendant has a right to be represented by an attorney. Our VA Criminal Defense Attorneys have a proven track record of defending the rights of our clients.

Virginia Trial Lawyers Specializing in Criminal Defense

An arrest is NOT a conviction. It is critically important that you contact Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers who regularly defend criminal cases. Retain the best lawyer possible. Our criminal law attorneys will present your best defense. We defend clients who have been accused of all types of Virginia criminal offenses ranging from misdemeanors to violent felony allegations.

Virginia Criminal Procedure

The Constitutions of the United States and Virginia guarantee the accused with certain rights in the event of a criminal trial. The Code of Virginia further outlines the criminal procedure in Title 19.2.

The Arrest
Probable cause is required for an arrest. Probable cause simply means that there is a good reason to believe the suspect committed a crime. The “warrant requirement” means that a police officer must have an arrest warrant to make an arrest; however, there are countless exceptions to this requirement, which is often when the offense in question was observed by a police officer.

If the police are going to question the suspect after the arrest, then the police officers must inform the suspects of their Miranda rights: 1) right to an attorney, 2) the right to remain silent, and 3) the right to have your attorney present during questioning.

After the arrest, the suspect is taken to the police station for booking or processing. This will require being fingerprinted and photographed. Officials will confirm details such as full name and birth date. The magistrate then conducts a bail hearing to determine conditions for pretrial release.

Arraignment | Pre-trial
The arraignment is the first court appearance where the judge informs the defendant of his or her right to an attorney. The judge may also review bail.

Plea bargain
Many criminal cases are resolved when the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to reduced charges or in exchange for a lighter sentence. Virginia judges usually abide by plea agreements, although they are not required to do so.

Preliminary hearing for felony cases
Felony cases initiated on an arrest warrant then proceed to what is called a preliminary hearing in the district court. Probable cause must then be presented to the Judge who then certifies the case to the grand jury if there is probable cause to support the charge. The primary difference between this procedure and the magistrate issuing an arrest warrant based on probable cause is that the defendant can present evidence and the defendant’s attorney can cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. If the defendant was indicted by the prosecutor then there is no preliminary hearing in the district court.

Trial
Misdemeanor trials are held in the district court with a Judge. Felony trials (or misdemeanor appeals from the district court) are held in the circuit court, where the defendant has a right to trial by jury. At trial, the prosecution is required to present evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant may present evidence, but that is not required.

Verdict | Sentencing
In a jury trial, all jurors must agree that the evidence proves the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury cannot agree, then a mistrial will be declared on the charges to which there is no agreement, and those charges may be tried again later before new jurors. In a Judge or bench trial, the Judge determines if the evidence is sufficient to prove the offense alleged.

Sentencing guidelines are prepared for the Judge hearing the case to assist in imposing a penalty if the defendant is found guilty. The jury does not receive any assistance from such guidelines. The guidelines assign point values for various aspects of the conviction, such as the nature of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history, and then calculate a range for an appropriate sentence. Judges have some leeway in determining the sentence, but usually, keep the term within the range of the guidelines.

Let us review YOUR case for free today. We can help!

11/10/2015 | Updated 4/14/2023