Being charged with a crime in Norfolk, whether it happened near the Ghent business district or anywhere else in the city, can put your freedom, your job, and your reputation at risk. Inman & Strickler, P.L.C. defends clients throughout Hampton Roads, and our attorneys never assume you are guilty or push you toward a quick plea just to close the file. We build a criminal defense strategy around the facts of your case and fight for the best result available to you.
A misdemeanor conviction in Virginia can mean up to a year in jail, fines, and a permanent mark on your record that can affect housing, employment, and professional licensing for years afterward. Common misdemeanor charges include first-offense DUI, simple assault, petit larceny, and certain traffic offenses. We have helped many clients get misdemeanor charges dropped, dismissed after trial, or reduced to a lesser charge such as a fine. Do not assume a misdemeanor charge is minor. Talk with an attorney before you go to court.
Virginia felonies range from Class 6, which can carry up to five years in prison, to Class 1, which can carry a life sentence. Recent changes to how the Commonwealth handles felony sentencing mean the stakes and the process can look different than they did even a few years ago. Felony charges we defend include assault, weapons offenses, burglary, drunk driving, and drug charges. We examine every possible defense, including constitutional issues with how evidence was gathered, self-defense, and alibi defenses. If you have been arrested, do not answer police questions before speaking with an attorney, no matter what you are being asked about.
White collar charges such as embezzlement, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, and racketeering are usually prosecuted in federal court and often follow lengthy investigations before any charges are filed. These cases demand attorneys who understand federal criminal procedure and complex financial evidence, and who stay current on how white collar sentencing tiers have shifted under Virginia’s updated guidelines. If federal investigators have already contacted you, or you believe you may be under investigation, contact us immediately rather than waiting until charges are filed.
A criminal charge can carry consequences beyond the courtroom. For non-citizens facing criminal charges in Virginia, even a relatively minor offense can trigger detention, removal proceedings, loss of lawful status, or a permanent bar to future immigration benefits. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are facing charges in Norfolk, tell your attorney right away so your defense strategy accounts for these added risks.
Ghent’s restaurants and bars along Colley Avenue and 21st Street draw a steady crowd on weekends, and Norfolk police patrol these areas closely for DUI and public intoxication charges. A DUI charge in Virginia can lead to license suspension, mandatory classes, and, for repeat offenses, jail time, even when no one was hurt. Knowing your rights during a police investigation can shape how a traffic stop or arrest plays out from the very first question an officer asks. We review every detail of the stop and the evidence gathered against you.
Call us at 757-486-7055 or contact us to schedule a consultation with a Ghent, Norfolk criminal defense lawyer.
