Staunton, VA Felony Defense Attorney

Dedicated advocate fights serious criminal charges

Felonies are serious crimes that call for state prison sentences of one year or more and the loss of several of your rights as a citizen, including your right to vote, to run for public office, and to own or possess firearms. If you are charged with a felony in Staunton, VA you face an extremely tough fight to get your life back. The Alleman Law Group, PLC has represented hundreds of defendants in bench and jury trials. We are committed to providing a staunch defense for you from the moment you call to the final adjudication of your case.

Code of Virginia classifications for felony offenses

In Virginia, the classes of felonies are based on the severity of the crime and the magnitude of the punishment, with Class 1 being the most serious:

  • Class 1 — Punishable by death or life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000
  • Class 2 — Imprisonment for 20 years to life and a fine of up to $100,000
  • Class 3 — Imprisonment for five to 20 years and a fine of not more than $100,000
  • Class 4 — Imprisonment for two to 10 years and a fine of not more than $100,000
  • Class 5 — Imprisonment for one to 10 years or a jail term of 12 months or less, and a fine of not more than $2,500
  • Class 6 — Imprisonment for one to five years or a jail term of 12 months or less, and a fine of not more than $2,500

Types of felony offenses in Virginia

The Code of Virginia recognizes several different types of crimes, including:

  • Inchoate offense — Crimes planned or attempted. Attempted capital murder is a Class 2 felony.
  • Crimes against the person — Violent crimes, including murder, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery and kidnapping, are felonies.
  • Crimes against property — Causing the destruction of private or public property. Arson is an example of a felony.
  • Crimes involving fraud — Theft accomplished through deception. If the value of the item sold is sufficient, fraud can be a felony.
  • Crimes involving health and safety — Many drug crimes, including manufacturing controlled substances and possession with intent to sell, are felonies.
  • Crimes against morals and decency — These vice offenses relate primarily to gambling and sex crimes. Conducting an illegal gambling operation is a Class 6 felony. Soliciting prostitution from a minor is either a Class 6 or Class 5 felony. Procuring a person for a house of prostitution is a Class 4 felony.
  • Crimes against peace and order — Offenses related to unlawful assemblies and violent protests, such as rioting. A person armed with a deadly weapon who participates in a riot has committed a Class 5 felony.
  • Crimes against the administration of justice — Interfering with a trial or the honest administration of government. Perjury or inducing someone else to lie under oath is a Class 5 felony. Bribing a public official or a juror is a Class 4 felony, as is accepting a bribe.
  • Racketeering — Virginia has special statutes related to the operation of a criminal enterprise. Ownership or investment in such an enterprise is a Class 2 felony. Money laundering is a Class 6 felony.

For your felony charge, contact a trustworthy criminal defense attorney in the Shenandoah Valley and Hampton Roads regions

The Alleman Law Group defends clients in the Shenandoah Valley and Hampton Roads regions. Attorneys Mykell L. Alleman and Scott C. Alleman are experienced in bench and jury trials on a range of felony charges. To schedule a confidential consultation, call 540-688-3544 or contact the office online.