representation for criminal charges in Richmond

Charged with a Crime in Virginia?

When you have been accused of a criminal offense, you must take the time to consider the impact that a conviction will have on your future goals and freedoms. Many criminal charges result in stiff penalties such as jail or prison time for those who are convicted, and you cannot afford to be without the strong defense that a Richmond criminal lawyer can provide at this time in your life.

The Defense Process: You Deserve a Voice

In criminal prosecutions under state or federal law, a defendant may raise a defense in an attempt to avoid being held liable for whatever offense he or she may have been accused of committing. There are numerous ways in which to build a successful defense against criminal allegations, including factual innocence as well as lawful excuse.

Additionally, a defendant may challenge criminal charges on the grounds that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to secure a conviction - to prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a shadow of a doubt. Challenging evidence may be done by proving the evidence itself is faulty or that the manner in which it was collected and/or processed was in violation of the defendant's rights or standard procedure.

Criminal defense is essential to keeping the criminal justice system in America balanced. If a defendant had no right to legal counsel and no right to raise a defense in this way, people would be convicted of crimes left and right. We would have to rely upon law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and all court personnel to never make a mistake or never have a lapse in judgment. That is just too much to ask from people who are, after all, only human.

It is necessary to offer a defendant, accused of any crime from DUI all the way to murder, the opportunity at challenging these allegations and avoiding a conviction. Because there are always cases where a person is wrongfully accused and may face imprisonment or worse without criminal defense.

Choose an Attorney Who Is Experienced in Serious Crimes

Searching for an attorney for a criminal case in Richmond? You can find all of this and more when you contact Vaughan C. Jones, Attorney at Law about your criminal case. Attorney Vaughan C. Jones has earned a reputation in Richmond for providing his clients with hard-hitting defense that holds up in court against even the most serious charges. He understands the legal intricacies of the criminal process and can build a compelling defense on your behalf regardless of the circumstances that led to your arrest.

Common Defenses Against Criminal Charges

Most people are not fully prepared for what will happen in the wake of a criminal accusation and are left feeling isolated, frightened and overwhelmed by the legalities that they are now facing. If you are caught in the wake of something of this nature, your entire future will be at stake; it is simply not the time to be content with the clumsy mistakes made by inexperienced attorneys.

Law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney are dedicated to getting a conviction in your criminal case. It is critical to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer fighting for your side who knows how to present the most effective and persuasive defenses.

Illegal Searches

If the police conduct a search and seizure that doesn’t honor your rights guaranteed by the Constitution the court may throw the entire case out of court. Mere suspicion is not enough for an officer to search you or your car; they must have some sort of evidence to serve as probable cause or must have had a warrant for any drugs they find to be admissible in court. Vaughan Jones ALWAYS examines whether the seizure of drugs is lawful. If an arrest or search is questionable Vaughan will file a motion to suppress the drugs

TECHNICAL DEFENSES

If the police fail to properly document the chain of custody for drugs seized I will expose this flaw and get the case dismissed. I have also used the defenses of entrapment, agency, and unwitting participation.

FORFEITURE

Virginia law allows police to keep your property if it connected to illegal drug activity. In order to keep your things, the government has to specifically follow rules established by the General Assembly and the Supreme Court.

UNDERCOVER POLICE, SNITCHES, AND INFORMANTS

Often, the police use a paid informant or undercover officer who claims to have observed a person selling drugs to another person. As a former prosecutor who has used these tactics I know that informants are always trying to benefit themselves (by trying to avoid a conviction or actually accepting cash payments for each arrest!) and often provide unreliable and false information. I have experience challenging the credibility of police informants. I expose their criminal records and make sure the court knows the true motives behind their testimony.

ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING

If you have an addiction and you are convicted, there are still ways to avoid jail. I have experience gaining clients' admission into alternative sentencing programs. I have often used a special Virginia law which allows for first time offenders to avoid jail and have the conviction taken from their criminal record!

AGGRESSIVE NEGOTIATION

If the police have done everything right, the only way to avoid a maximum penalty is to have a lawyer who has a good relationship with the courts and the prosecutors. If you did it and they’ve got you, fighting isn’t always the best option. My experience gives me insight into the numerous reasons why a prosecutor might want to negotiate a case instead of go to trial. I’ve arranged for many distribution cases to be changed to simple possession, reducing what could have been 40 years in jail to probation and no incarceration.

CHALLENGING DNA EVIDENCE

DNA profiling is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals on the basis of their respective DNA profiles. DNA evidence is often hailed as unquestionable proof of the circumstances of an alleged criminal event. The science however is only as reliable as the people who employ the technique. I have examined or refuted DNA evidence in hundreds of cases. Often there are problems with the collection, analysis, and conclusions of the test results.

THROW OUT LINEUP IDENTIFICATIONS

The Constitution requires police to use specific procedures when they conduct a lineup. Failure to follow these steps illegally influences the alleged witness pick out a certain person. I am not afraid to challenge the process the police use to conduct these lineups. I’ve even advanced unique defenses such as cross racial identification challenges.

Contact a Richmond Criminal Lawyer

Need an attorney for a criminal case in Richmond? In order to achieve the best outcome for your criminal charges, you must contact Attorney Vaughan C. Jones soon after you learn about your charges. He will review your situation thoroughly and examine the evidence brought against you to uncover any flaws or inconsistencies that are present.