Virginia Beach Violent Crime Defense Lawyer

Skilled Defense Attorney for Clients Accused of Violent Crimes in Virginia Beach, VA

Violent crime accusations tend to be prosecuted more seriously than other offenses due to the perceived danger to the public. Whether or not you have any prior offenses on your record, you need skilled legal representation to face these charges in court. A Virginia Beach violent crime defense attorney can meet with you after an arrest and discuss your case with you.

At Castellano Law Firm PLLC, we know how stressful it can be to deal with the legal proceedings of a violent crime case. As a solo practitioner, Attorney Vincent Castellano can go over your options with you and develop an individualized defense strategy.

Have You Been Accused of Assault and Battery?

Assault and battery charges in Virginia cover a wider range of conduct than many people expect. Assault refers to an act that causes another person to reasonably fear that they are about to be physically hurt. Battery refers to the unwanted contact itself. The two are frequently charged together when an altercation involves both a threat and physical contact.

A basic assault and battery charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but certain circumstances can push the charge into felony territory. When the alleged victim belongs to a protected category, such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical personnel, the charge becomes a Class 6 felony. Malicious wounding, which involves injuring another person with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill, is a Class 3 felony carrying five to 20 years in prison.

Responding to a Robbery Charge in Virginia Beach

Robbery involves taking property from another person through force, threat, or intimidation, and it is a felony regardless of the value of what was taken. The presence of a firearm during a robbery triggers a mandatory minimum sentence that runs consecutively to the sentence for the robbery itself, meaning the two sentences stack rather than run at the same time.

Carjacking is treated as a distinct offense and carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. These cases often rely on eyewitness identification and surveillance footage, both of which have recognized limitations.

Defending Clients in Stalking Cases

Stalking charges in Virginia arise when a person engages in repeated conduct directed at another person that causes that person to reasonably fear for their safety. A first conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a second conviction within five years is a Class 6 felony. Because the offense is defined by a pattern of behavior rather than a single act, the prosecution must establish a timeline and connect it to the fear experienced by the alleged victim.

The full context of the relationship between the parties sometimes tells a more nuanced story than the charge reflects. Communications between the parties, the history of their interactions, and whether the alleged victim's fear was reasonable under the circumstances are all relevant to how a defense is built.

Representing Clients in Homicide Cases

Homicide charges range from involuntary manslaughter to first-degree murder, and the penalties vary significantly depending on how the offense is classified. Involuntary manslaughter involves a death caused by reckless or criminally negligent conduct without intent to kill. Voluntary manslaughter involves a killing that occurred in the heat of passion. Both are felonies. First-degree murder, which requires proof of willful, deliberate, and premeditated conduct, carries a sentence of 20 years to life.

These are among the most complex cases in the criminal justice system. The investigation, the forensic evidence, and the legal strategy all require careful attention from the earliest stages of the case.

Contact a Virginia Beach Violent Crime Defense Attorney

Violent crime charges carry consequences that can define the rest of a person's life. At Castellano Law Firm PLLC, our attorney is prepared to hear what happened and stand by your side from the start. Call 757-724-0073 or contact our Virginia Beach, VA violent crime defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation.