MANASSAS CRIMINAL ATTORNEY DEFENDS OUT-OF-STATE CLIENTS

It’s an understatement to say that being accused of a crime is challenging. It’s even more challenging if you’re accused of a crime in a state where you don’t live. But if you live in another state and you face charges in Virginia, help is available for facing that challenge.

If you’re accused of a misdemeanor or a felony in Virginia, even if you are eventually found not guilty, you will probably have to return here – maybe several times – pay for your own transportation, and take time away from your job.

In the worst-case scenario, you could end up being sent to a jail or prison hundreds or several thousands of miles from your home and family. You can’t let that happen. If you face any criminal charge in our state, keep reading, and you’ll find out what steps you need to take.

WHAT STEPS WILL YOU HAVE TO TAKE?

Virginia is a business and tourist destination for thousands of visitors each year. If you’re from another state, and if you’re accused of a crime here, you can’t simply ignore it and go home as if nothing happened.

The first step that you’ll need to take is finding a Manassas criminal defense lawyer who can tell you what you’ll need to do and what you can expect as your case proceeds.

A traffic charge is the leading reason visitors face legal difficulties in Virginia. Reckless driving, for example, is a misdemeanor – a criminal violation that can actually send you to jail if you’re convicted – and a reckless driving charge may be based solely on excessive speeding.

HOW IS RECKLESS DRIVING HANDLED IN VIRGINIA?

If you exceed the speed limit in Virginia by twenty miles per hour or more, or if you exceed eighty miles per hour anywhere on a Virginia street or highway, you may face a reckless driving charge. It’s a Class 1 misdemeanor.

A reckless driving conviction is punishable with a year in jail and a fine of $2,500. Your driver’s license will be suspended for up to six months. If you live in a different state, you should expect that your home state will enforce a driver’s license suspension imposed by a Virginia court.

WHAT ARE BENCH WARRANTS? WHEN ARE THEY ISSUED?

If you’re facing any criminal charge in this state, a Manassas criminal defense lawyer can explain what you’ll need to know. For example, if the charge is a serious felony, but you’re allowed to post bail, you may be prevented from going home as one of the terms of your release.

If you flee the state after making bail, and you do not appear for your next scheduled court date, a judge can order your arrest by issuing a bench warrant, and you will be deemed a “fugitive.” If that happens, you could be arrested anywhere and extradited (returned) to Virginia.

It doesn’t matter what the charge is. If you’re accused of any crime in this state, you must seek an attorney’s help and resolve the matter promptly and honestly. Criminal charges from Virginia won’t go away. They have to be faced, and the sooner, the better.

ARE YOU REQUIRED TO BE IN THE COURTROOM?

If you live in a different state, it’s usually felony charges that require your appearance in a Virginia criminal court; however, in many misdemeanor cases, a defense attorney can appear on your behalf with a “waiver of appearance.”

This can’t be emphasized too much: If you live in another state and you’re charged with a crime, consult a defense lawyer with substantial experience in Virginia’s courts. That lawyer can tell you when and if you must make a court appearance and what to expect if you’re convicted.

Failing to appear as scheduled in court is a serious mistake. Defense lawyer Scott C. Nolan helps out-of-state clients deal with criminal matters that include probation violations, outstanding warrants, and criminal charges of every kind.

TRUSTED BY HIS CLIENTS

For twenty years, Scott C. Nolan has defended clients facing DUI charges, traffic charges, and other serious felony and misdemeanor charges in Virginia’s federal and state courts. He’s earned a 10.0 “Top Attorney” rating from AVVO, a leading national attorney rating service.

Do not plead guilty. Don’t try to be your own lawyer, either. Especially if you live in another state, too much will be at risk. Let Scott C. Nolan put his twenty years of defense experience to work for you.

He has effectively defended thousands of Virginia residents – and plenty of out-of-state clients as well – who were charged with serious crimes in and near Manassas. He is known for outstanding client service, aggressive representation, and legal excellence.

To schedule a consultation or to find out more, call Scott C. Nolan’s offices or contact him online. You’ll need his help if you live in another state, but you’re charged with a crime in this one.