Richmond Felony Attorney
Felony Defense Lawyer Serving Central VA
Felonies are the most serious charges you'll ever face. Even the least severe felony comes with one to five years of prison time. When you're facing a felony, your most important task will be finding the best felony defense lawyer to represent you. The Richmond felony defense attorney at The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has decades of experience defending clients from serious charges at all levels in the Virginia court system—Attorney Paul C. Galanides can help.
Contact us today to learn how our Richmond felony defense attorney can defend you.
Put a Former Prosecutor On Your Side
As a private defense lawyer, Mr. Galanides makes it his job to study judges and prosecutors in Richmond and the Central Virginia area. As a former prosecutor himself, he understands the ins and outs of developing the state's case against an accused felon. Today, he uses his knowledge of prosecutorial strategy to craft defenses specifically suited to his clients' needs. Since 1995, he has been the felony defense attorney in Richmond to turn to for results, getting charges dismissed or reduced or getting acquittals at trial.
How are Felonies Charged in Virginia?
Virginia law divides Felony charges into different classes, according to the severity of the potential punishment. Class 6 Felonies are the least severe and Class 1 Felonies are the most severe.
The classifications and penalties for Virginia felony offenses are as followings:
- Class 6 felonies are the least severe classification of felonies. They are called "wobblers" because they might be reduced to a misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class 6 Felony is 1-5 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
- Class 5 felony crimes are slightly more serious than Class 6 and carry 1-10 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines. They are also referred to as "wobblers" because they can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor.
- Class 4 felony crimes may involve arson, kidnapping, prostitution, and manslaughter. The penalties for a Class 4 Felony include 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
- Class 3 felony crimes involve injuring someone through shooting, stabbing, or attempted poisoning. It carries a penalty of 5-20 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines
- Class 2 felony crimes involve intentional and malicious actions. These offenses are severely penalized with 20 years to life in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
- Class 1 felonies are the most serious crimes in Virginia. Penalties for a Class 1 felony include mandatory life in prison, the death penalty, and/or $100,000 in fines.
What Crimes Can be Charged as Felonies?
The following crimes can be charged as a felony in Virginia:
Virginia Class 1 Felony Defense: Capital Crimes
Class 1 Felonies (which include crimes like capital murder) are punishable by death and are also called Capital crimes. Attorney Paul C. Galanides was specifically trained to handle his first death penalty case in 1997. Since then he has been attorney of record for over two dozen death penalty cases. When facing the most serious charge in the criminal justice system, you need a class 1 felony lawyer with serious experience. You need the right lawyer, right now. Mr. Galanides has the skill and means to take cases no matter what is at stake.
If you've been convicted of a Class 1 Felony, you are at the beginning of a long battle to overturn your conviction on appeal. The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has represented clients at every level of the criminal justice system, filing direct appeals to argue for proper justice. When you need someone who can understand your needs at every level, who will transform your facts into a solid defense, call the firm’s Richmond felony defense attorney.
Call (804) 977-0110 or contact Mr. Galanides online. While quality representation isn't free, he offers a free initial consultation to help answer your questions.