Criminal Defense

About Our Criminal Defense Firm

No one wants to face criminal charges. If you’re accused of a crime in Virginia, you cannot afford to hire just any criminal defense lawyers you find. You need a top-rated criminal defense lawyer – Scott C. Nolan.

Scott C. Nolan is a different type of criminal defense attorney. He has successfully represented thousands of clients over his 20-year career against all kinds of charges, from domestic violence to DUI to theft crimes. Years of proven experience have taught our criminal defense lawyers how to effectively question evidence, select jurors, negotiate aggressively with prosecutors, and craft compelling arguments in defense of every client.

Attorney Nolan enjoys some of the best ratings and reviews in the legal profession, including a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, and is an esteemed member of the National College for DUI Defense. Scott has also been recognized as a top trial attorney by The National Trial Lawyers.

When you are a defendant charged with a crime, always hire our seasoned defense attorney, who has a proven track record of case dismissals, acquittals, and charge reductions. Contact the best criminal defense lawyer, Scott C. Nolan, today for an aggressive defense.

Scott C. Nolan at a table with legal files, in strategic discussion.

Criminal Law Defense Services

Being charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime is difficult enough. Now, consider facing the intimidating Virginia criminal justice system without the guidance of a highly skilled criminal law attorney. At our law firm, our criminal defense lawyer, Scott C. Nolan, will handle all of the legal details so you can relax and know your future is in his capable hands.

Criminal Defense Representation

Attorney Scott Nolan understands the many emotional and legal issues you face when charged with a crime. He will guide you through every part of the process, dealing with the documentation and court requirements so you can face the future with confidence. Our highly accomplished defense lawyers can defend you against these and other serious criminal charges:

Reckless driving in Virginia can result in points being added to your driver’s license, license suspension, and even jail time in the most severe cases. You can count on our skilled criminal defense attorney Scott C. Nolan to defend you aggressively against the charge.

Grand larceny punishment can include jail time, fines, community service, and a permanent criminal record. However, our top criminal defense lawyer will aggressively defend the charge and work to achieve the most favorable case outcome.

Virginia break-ins can lead to criminal convictions and jail time. That’s why you need dedicated criminal lawyer Scott Nolan to defend you. Our criminal attorney may question whether you stole property or knew that it wasn’t yours.

Domestic violence in Virginia is a severe problem, so expect the prosecutor to work tirelessly to convict you. However, our experienced criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly examine the evidence against you and may even argue that the allegation is unfounded.

When charged with a federal crime, you need a skilled federal crime lawyer. A conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, so hire our elite federal crime lawyer in Virginia for a favorable result.

Virginia’s fraud laws state that individuals convicted of serious fraud crimes may face imprisonment. Your freedom is at stake, so hire our experienced and proven criminal defense lawyers for a vigorous defense against these serious charges.

A hit and run penalty can include jail time if there is a serious injury or death. Our hit and run attorney in Virginia will exhaust all possibilities in your defense. Criminal lawyer Scott Nolan is ready to defend your innocence immediately.

A probation violation in Virginia can put you in jail for months or years longer. Retain our expert criminal defense lawyers to defend you against a probation violation charge.

Theft charges in Virginia are alarming, but our criminal defense lawyer Scott Nolan will select the best defense. He can also push for alternative sentencing for theft charges if the evidence against you is overwhelming.

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process

Regardless of the criminal law charges against you, the Virginia criminal justice process follows a series of procedures and steps that can be confusing without the help of your criminal defense lawyer. But don’t worry: Our criminal defense attorney Scott Nolan will be with you during the entire process to ensure you understand everything and that your questions are answered.

First, understand that state law recognizes the following types of criminal charges:

Felony charges in Virginia are serious crimes punishable by at least a year in jail or prison, fines, or death. Felony charges range from Class 1 to Class 5 and include murder, voluntary manslaughter, grand larceny, breaking and entering, felony DUI, and certain drug offenses, including trafficking.
Misdemeanor charges in Virginia are less serious crimes that can be punished by a term of less than a year in jail. Misdemeanor charges are also ranked from Class 1 to Class 5 and include assault, DUI, trespassing, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and reckless driving.
Traffic violations are non-criminal infractions, such as speeding, failure to yield, or failing to stop at a red light. Traffic infractions can still have serious consequences; therefore, it is essential to retain skilled legal representation to mitigate their impact.

Second, you should understand each part of the criminal justice process:

Investigation and arrest: The process starts when the police investigate and arrest you for an alleged crime. You will be taken into custody, informed of your legal rights, and questioned. It’s best to say as little as possible without an experienced criminal defense lawyer with you.
Booking and initial court appearance: Within three days of arrest, you will have your first court hearing before a judge or magistrate. The official will review the charges against you, advise you of your rights, and decide if you should receive bail or be detained pending trial. Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer during the initial appearance is vital to ensure that you are not kept in jail during the process.
Arraignment: During arraignment, you will appear in court, hear the charges against you, and enter a plea. In most cases, your criminal defense lawyers will tell you to plead not guilty at this stage. Never plead guilty, even if you have not yet retained an attorney.
Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your criminal defense attorneys and the prosecutor will exchange information and evidence during the discovery process. Your criminal defense attorneys may make pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges.
Plea negotiations: Most criminal cases do not go to trial because they are resolved with plea deals. Attorney Nolan is a highly successful attorney and negotiator who will strive for the best outcome, whether it’s an acquittal or a favorable plea negotiation. For instance, Attorney Nolan may negotiate a deal to reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving, which can reduce penalties and the impact on your future.
Trial: If the case goes to trial, it will be in the General District Court for misdemeanors and the Circuit Court for felonies. You can choose a judge or jury trial, and the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial involves opening statements, testimony from witnesses, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. Attorney Nolan and his other lawyers are skilled at challenging evidence, questioning witnesses, and presenting the strongest arguments to defend you.
Sentencing and appeals: If convicted of a misdemeanor, you will be sentenced after the verdict. Following a felony conviction, a pre-sentence report and a sentencing hearing will be conducted. You could be fined, jailed, given probation, or sent to jail or prison, depending on the situation.
Appeals: You have the right to appeal to a higher court, possibly arguing that legal errors occurred during the process.

Our skilled defense attorneys will be at your side throughout the process. All of your questions will be answere,d and every possible defense considered. Always contact our experienced Virginia law firm to handle your case and the criminal justice process.

The Role of the Criminal Court

The criminal court system in Virginia plays an essential role in the criminal justice process, and you should understand it to ensure you know your rights and what you face in the days and weeks ahead:

The court protects your rights, including the right to have legal representation, the right to a fair trial, and safeguards against self-incrimination.
The court adjudicates cases and determines the innocence or guilt of each defendant through trials, reviewing evidence, and applying relevant state criminal laws as necessary. Not every piece of evidence is the same, and not every witness statement is reliable. The court decides what evidence the jury will hear and provides instructions on how to evaluate the various types of evidence.
The court oversees the entire process, which includes pre-trial hearings, jury selection, and the trial itself. The court maintains order and ensures that both sides adhere to all legal procedures. From pre-trial hearings to jury selection and the trial itself, the court maintains order and ensures that procedures are followed.
The court makes sentencing and punishment decisions based on the state’s sentencing guidelines, which take into consideration the severity of the offense and your criminal history.

A judge's gavel rests on a wooden table, next to a scale of justice. In the background, a criminal defense lawyer in a suit writes in a notebook.

The Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Can you represent yourself? Yes, but it’s almost always a mistake. Most defendants should always retain an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney to represent them in their criminal case. Here’s why:

1. Understanding Virginia’s Specific Criminal Laws

Virginia’s criminal law statutes and sentencing rules are complex, with detailed procedures for misdemeanors and felonies. Your legal representation understands state laws, court rules, rules of evidence, and local practices in each court. Additionally, an experienced criminal lawyer like Scott C. Nolan is familiar with the local General District Courts, Circuit Courts, prosecutors, and judges. This detailed legal knowledge can make a dramatic difference in the resolution of your case.

2. Protection from Severe Consequences

Criminal charges can result in a jail sentence, fines, and a lasting criminal record that impacts your career, housing, education, and other aspects of your life. Our experienced criminal lawyers work diligently to mitigate the consequences through effective defense strategizing, thorough examination of evidence, negotiation of plea deals when appropriate, and selection of a favorable jury.

3. Efficiency and Experience

Experienced criminal lawyers, such as Scott C. Nolan, have successfully guided thousands of clients through the criminal justice process. He knows the motions to file, the evidence to challenge, and the most effective legal arguments to present to a particular judge or prosecutor. This vital experience means a more effective defense that can make the difference between an innocent and a guilty verdict.

4. Handling Complicated Legal Procedures

Many Virginia criminal cases involve complicated legal quandaries. What if you were pulled over without probable cause, or multiple witnesses provide conflicting stories? What if the case involves complex medical details? You need able criminal lawyers to address these complexities effectively.

5. Objective Counsel

When you face a serious criminal charge, it’s an emotional time. Your feelings may run between fear, anger, confusion, and despair. The jumble of emotions can affect your judgment and lead to subpar decision processes. Your skilled criminal lawyers are objective advisors who ensure that you understand your legal options and make informed decisions for you.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Lawyers?

You need to work with an experienced, effective criminal defense lawyer who provides the best chance for a favorable outcome. You should work with a lawyer who aligns with your beliefs, communication style, and provides all of the support you need. Here’s why you should choose criminal defense attorney Scott C. Nolan to defend you:

Exclusive focus on criminal defense: Attorney Nolan’s law firms only handle criminal defense. We specialize in criminal defense for almost every misdemeanor or felony crime, and we possess in-depth knowledge of the Virginia criminal justice process, from Northern Virginia to Richmond and beyond.
Transparent, predictable pricing: You should never be surprised by your legal bill. Attorney Nolan offers fair and transparent pricing, with no hidden costs. In many criminal matters, Attorney Nolan offers flat-fee services, ensuring you always know your costs.
Compassionate service: Attorney Nolan and his team understand that a criminal charge can cause significant stress and uncertainty. So, we approach your case with great empathy and patience. Attorney Nolan will always have time to address your questions and concerns.
Plain language communication: Legal jargon often permeates the criminal justice process, but our attorneys prioritize clear communication with every client. With Attorney Nolan, you’ll never end a phone call or leave a meeting wondering what was said. We know how to distill complicated legal jargon into language that is easy to understand.
Proactive defense strategy: We handle criminal charges effectively from the outset by addressing them directly. Attorney Nolan identifies any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, which enables him to construct the most robust defense from the outset. The best way to handle criminal charges is to address them aggressively from the beginning. Our approach emphasizes proactive identification of weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, allowing us to build the strongest possible defense rather than reactively responding to the state’s allegations.
Comprehensive support: Criminal charges are usually accompanied by other legal complexities, such as employment or housing concerns, or matters involving children. Our skilled law firm can provide you with detailed guidance on any related legal matter, offering comprehensive support throughout the process.

Attorney Nolan’s law firm is unique due to its strong track record, 20 years of success, and proactive business approach. Our law firms handle every client like they are part of our family, and a successful outcome to each criminal case is what we strive for every time.

Contact Us

A Virginia criminal charge can feel overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. The best place to start is not to answer questions from the police without consulting our criminal defense lawyer, Scott. C. Nolan. Attorney Nolan is a top-rated criminal defense lawyer who will defend you against any misdemeanor or felony charge.

Attorney Nolan will consult with you on your case and investigate the details and the evidence against you. Then, he will create a formidable defense strategy to achieve the best case result, such as an acquittal or case dismissal, if possible.

Our criminal defense lawyer has helped thousands in your situation obtain a favorable case outcome. Attorney Nolan enjoys a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, so you can be assured that your case is in the most capable hands. Contact our proven criminal defense lawyer today at (703) 688-9236 for immediate assistance and a free consultation. We will always act in your best interests and fight for the best case outcome.

Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in Virginia