Whether you were wrongly accused of a crime or know you’ve made a regrettable mistake, if you’re facing criminal charges, you deserve a strong defense and an experienced, dedicated legal team on your side.
The experienced attorneys at Select Law Partners, PLLC understand that facing a criminal allegation is stressful and frightening, but we believe in the power of a strong defense. We’ve helped numerous people charged with a broad range of crimes recover their reputations and have their charges dropped or reduced.
Working with Select Law Partners, you’ll receive the one-on-one attention you deserve. Call our criminal defense attorneys at (855) 541-4867 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your situation. We look forward to hearing from you.
Types of cases we handle
The attorneys at Select Law Partners, PLLC represent clients and develop tailored defense strategies for both misdemeanor and felony charges. Although a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, even a “small” charge on your record can have a significant impact on your life.
Select Law Partners, PLLC is here to help you regain control of your life when fighting criminal charges. One of the dedicated attorneys at our firm will develop a custom defense strategy and work hard to have the charge against you dropped or reduced.
Misdemeanors
Common misdemeanor cases that we handle include:
Assault and battery
“Assault and battery” is also commonly known as “simple assault” and carries a class 1 misdemeanor charge. Typically, a first offense won’t result in the state’s maximum penalties unless the act is determined to be particularly egregious.
Although “assault and battery” is one charge in Virginia, “assault” and “battery” are two separate and distinct crimes. An “assault” requires the commission of an act that causes another to experience a reasonable fear of harm, while a “battery” is an offensive touching committed in an angry, hostile, or rude manner.
Importantly, no injury is required to prove a battery was committed. Having an experienced attorney who understands the difference between “assault” and “battery” is essential to preparing your defense strategy and protecting you against this charge.
DUI, BUI, and Underage DUI
A first, second, or underage DUI is typically a misdemeanor, unless someone was killed in an accident with the drunk driver. Boating while intoxicated (BUI) is also generally treated as a misdemeanor, unless the act resulted in bodily injury or death.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving (also known as “careless” or “dangerous” driving) is defined as driving with a “willful or wanton” disregard for safety. For example, someone who willfully and intentionally drives right through a red light simply because they’re running late could be charged with reckless driving. Excessive speeding could also lead to a reckless driving charge.
Trespassing
You could be charged with trespassing in North Carolina or Virginia if you enter someone else’s property without having permission to be there or remain on the property after being told to leave. If this happens to you, and you find yourself on the wrong end of a boundary agreement, potentially facing charges, the next step you should make is contacting an attorney.
Domestic violence misdemeanors
Charges including assault and battery against a family or household member (often called “domestic assault and battery”), stalking, and violation of a protective order often arise in allegations of domestic violence.
If found guilty of any of these charges, there are often additional consequences that can affect your career or rights. Having an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable of the potential consequences, and how to defend you against these charges, is essential to protecting yourself, your livelihood, and your rights.
Other misdemeanors
Select Law Partners, PLLC handles many other types of misdemeanor cases. If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge, our lawyers will build a formidable defense and work towards having the charge dropped or reduced.
Felonies
Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors. Below are just a few types of felony cases that our attorneys regularly handle, but it’s not a complete list. Reach out to us at (855) 541-4867 to learn how a solid defense strategy can help you.
Sex crimes
Sex crimes may include, but are not limited to sexual assault, rape, child pornography, and internet-related sex offenses. It doesn’t matter if a person accidentally downloads or shares child pornography; “not knowing” is not a criminal defense in the eyes of the law.
Third or subsequent DUI
A third or subsequent DUI is a felony in Virginia, and a fourth or subsequent DUI within 10 years is a felony in North Carolina. Subsequent DUIs result in even more severe penalties. If you find yourself facing an additional DUI charge, our attorneys will work to mitigate the impact to your future license restoration.
DUI maiming or manslaughter
Even if you’ve never been arrested for drunk driving, if you end up seriously injuring or killing someone, you are likely facing a serious felony charge. Mounting a solid criminal defense is critical in your fight against such a significant allegation.
Larceny
Larceny is the act of stealing someone else’s personal property. This crime includes carjacking, shoplifting, pick-pocketing, or any other form of stealing. Petit larceny is a common misdemeanor, but you could be charged with grand larceny (a felony) if the value of the stolen item is above a specified dollar amount.
Homicide
Homicide includes capital murder, first and second-degree murder, and voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Any homicide charge is serious. We believe you deserve the best defense possible. Having a skillful, practiced team on your side from the beginning is crucial to attaining a positive resolution.
Domestic violence felonies
Charges including abduction, malicious wounding (also called “malicious bodily injury”), and strangulation often arise in allegations of domestic violence. If convicted, these charges carry the possibility of significant periods of incarceration.
Having an experienced attorney, one who has handled these charges on many occasions previously, is essential to preparing your defense strategy and protecting your interests.
Other felony charges
Select Law Partners, PLLC handles many types of felony cases. If you have been charged with a felony, we recommend that you speak with our criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. Call (855) 541-4867 now.
Potential penalties
Being convicted of a crime can have social and professional consequences as well as potential ramifications to your employment and housing. If you are charged with a crime, you need to protect your legal interests and hire a capable lawyer with years of experience defending similar allegations.
Penalties for misdemeanors in North Carolina and Virginia
Under Virginia law, penalties for misdemeanor offenses generally include:
| Misdemeanor Class Type | Penalties |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Fine of up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail |
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Fine of up to $500 |
| Class 4 Misdemeanor | Fine of up to $250 |
In North Carolina, penalties for misdemeanor offenses generally include:
| Misdemeanor Class Type | Penalties |
| Class A1 Misdemeanor | Fines at the discretion of the court and up to 150 days in jail |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | Discretionary fines and up to 120 days in jail |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | Fine of up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail |
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Likely a fine if convicted |
Penalties for a felony in North Carolina and Virginia
Under Virginia law, penalties for felony offenses typically include:
| Felony Class Type | Penalties |
| Class 1 Felony | Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for life |
| Class 2 Felony | Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for 20 years to life |
| Class 3 Felony | Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for 5 to 20 years |
| Class 4 Felony | Fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for 2 to 10 years |
| Class 5 Felony | Fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for 1 to 10 years |
| Class 6 Felony | Fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for 1 to 5 years |
In North Carolina, penalties for felony offenses generally include:
| Felony Class Type | Penalties |
| Class A Felony | Life in prison without parole or death |
| Class B1 Felony | Up to life in prison without the possibility of parole |
| Class B2 Felony | Up to 393 months in prison |
| Class C Felony | Up to 182 months in prison |
| Class D Felony | Up to 160 months in prison |
| Class E Felony | Up to 63 months in prison |
| Class F Felony | Up to 41 months in prison |
| Class G Felony | Up to 31 months in prison |
| Class H Felony | Up to 25 months in prison |
| Class I Felony | Up to 12 months in prison |
How we can help
We’ll help you deal with felony investigations
Select Law Partners takes a proactive approach to criminal defense accusations. We get to work immediately because we know how easily an allegation can turn into a criminal charge. The best time to contact our seasoned attorneys to confidentially discuss your case is before you’ve been arrested.
We’ll investigate your case
To build the best defense for your case, we need to know the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. We’ll investigate to gather evidence and evaluate each detail of your situation. Our team will pursue every avenue to find facts and circumstances beneficial to your case.
We’ll help you avoid incarceration
Our attorneys will work hard to help you avoid time in jail or prison. With a strong defense strategy, we may be able to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed. The accomplished team at Select Law Partners will work to discover positive information about the facts of your case, and seek to confirm information to defend the accusations against you.
If acquittal is unlikely, we’ll work on your behalf to negotiate a favorable plea agreement with the prosecution to reduce your charges as much as possible. Our talented team will make every effort to keep you from serving time in jail. We’ll negotiate the best possible resolution based on your circumstances.
We’re prepared to take your case to trial
If we can’t get the charges against you dismissed, we’ll walk you through your legal options and the potential outcomes of your case. These options may include accepting a plea deal to reduce your charges or taking your case to trial.
Ultimately, it’s your decision if you choose to go to trial. Know that we are fully prepared to take your case to the courtroom, and we’ll do everything in our power to obtain a positive outcome.
Protecting your rights and reputation
Count on the skilled attorneys at Select Law Partners, PLLC to develop a formidable defense strategy for your case. Our goal is always dismissal or acquittal, but if acquittal is unlikely, we’ll fight for a desirable plea deal or take your case to trial.
Select Law Partners develops defense strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our firm is grateful for the opportunity to defend individuals against wrongful or excessive convictions. Justice is possible. Take the first step and hire an expert criminal defense attorney from Select Law Partners.
Following the completion of your case, if the charges against you are dropped or reduced, you may be eligible for expungement. Our attorneys are experienced in assisting clients get charges expunged and removed from their records.
Our criminal defense attorneys
Emily E. Gold
Emily E. Gold has been practicing criminal law since 2004. She develops tailored defense strategies for her clients based on their best interests and desired case results. Emily provides experienced and dedicated legal representation and fights tirelessly to defend her clients.
Ben Brasfield
Ben Brasfield has been practicing law since 2015. Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, he worked as a prosecutor in Fairfax County and focused on prosecution of domestic violence crimes. His experience as a prosecutor gives him a unique and effective edge when counseling and defending his clients in criminal and family law matters.
Accused or charged with a crime? Our criminal defense firm can help.
Our criminal defense attorneys have decades of combined experience and will create a solid defense strategy for your case. Each of our attorneys will work tirelessly to get your charges dropped or reduced. We won’t settle for anything less than the most advantageous outcome.
Call us at (855) 541-4867 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
