Fairfax, Virginia Criminal Defense Firm

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Fairfax & Northern Virginia Criminal Defense

Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney: Felony & Misdemeanor Charges

If you or a family member has been charged with a crime in Northern Virginia, Nichols & Green focuses on understanding exactly what you are facing, examining the evidence and building a defense around the specific facts of your case.

Based in Fairfax, Virginia. Representing clients in criminal matters throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington and Loudoun Counties.

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  • Fairfax-Based Criminal Defense
  • Felony & Misdemeanor Representation
  • Serving Northern Virginia Courts

Criminal Defense Practice

Criminal Charges We Defend

Virginia criminal cases can range from misdemeanor allegations to serious felony charges. The specific allegation matters because each offense carries its own elements, evidence and potential consequences.

Start With the Exact Charge

Select the charge that most closely matches your court paperwork to review more focused information about that type of case.

Not Sure Which Applies?
  1. 01 Criminal Defense Attorney An overview of criminal defense representation and what to consider after being accused or charged with a crime in Virginia.
  2. 02 Felony Defense Defense for serious criminal allegations classified as felonies under Virginia law.
  3. 03 Misdemeanor Defense Representation for misdemeanor charges and the criminal-court consequences that can accompany them.
  4. 04 Assault & Battery Defense for allegations involving assault, battery and related claims of physical confrontation.
  5. 05 Domestic Assault Representation when assault allegations arise in a family or household context.
  6. 06 Drug Crimes Defense for Virginia drug allegations involving possession and other drug-related criminal charges.
  7. 07 Larceny / Theft Defense for allegations involving larceny, theft and related claims involving another person's property.
  8. 08 Fraud Representation for allegations involving fraud, deception and related financial or property offenses.
  9. 09 Juvenile Crimes Defense involving juvenile allegations and cases handled within Virginia's juvenile justice system.
  10. 10 Expungement Information about seeking to address eligible criminal records under Virginia law.

A criminal charge can affect far more than the next court date. Understanding the allegation early gives you a clearer basis for evaluating the evidence, available defenses and decisions that may follow.

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The Criminal Court Process

What Happens After You’re Charged?

Being charged can make the next few weeks feel uncertain. A Virginia criminal case may move through several stages, and understanding what each stage is for can make the process easier to follow.

Every Case Is Different

Not every case follows every step below, and the order can vary depending on the charge, court, custody status and how the case develops.

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  1. 01
    The Case Begins

    Charge, Arrest & Release Issues

    A criminal matter may begin with an arrest, warrant, summons or other charging process. If the accused is being held, questions involving bail, release and any conditions imposed by the court may need to be addressed.

  2. 02
    Early Court Proceedings

    Arraignment & Understanding the Charge

    Early court proceedings can address the charge, counsel and the next scheduled stage of the case. An arraignment formally concerns the charge and plea, although Virginia law permits arraignment to be waived in certain cases.

  3. 03
    Build the Defense

    Evidence & Case Review

    The defense can begin evaluating the evidence behind the allegation, identifying factual or legal issues and determining what additional information may matter. The relevant material depends heavily on the type of charge and circumstances of the case.

  4. 04
    Felony Cases

    Preliminary Hearing When Applicable

    For many felony cases beginning in General District Court, a preliminary hearing addresses whether there is sufficient basis for the felony charge to continue. Virginia law also permits an accused to waive the preliminary hearing.

  5. 05
    Strategy

    Motions, Negotiation & Trial Preparation

    Depending on the case, the defense may evaluate legal motions, discussions with the prosecution and preparation for trial. The appropriate strategy should be driven by the evidence and the client's circumstances rather than by a one-size-fits-all approach.

  6. 06
    Resolution

    Trial or Other Resolution

    A case may ultimately be resolved through a trial, negotiated disposition, dismissal or another outcome available under the circumstances. Which path makes sense depends on the evidence, legal issues and goals in the individual case.

You do not have to wait until the case reaches trial to start preparing. Understanding the charge, upcoming court date and available evidence early can help frame the decisions that come later.

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Building the Defense

A Criminal Defense Starts With the Evidence

The charge is only the starting point. Building a defense requires looking closely at how the allegation arose, what evidence actually exists, where the weaknesses may be and how the facts fit the specific criminal charge.

Legal documents and case materials reviewed during criminal defense preparation
Case Preparation

The details behind the allegation can change the direction of the defense.

Defense Strategy

The goal is to understand what the prosecution is relying on, test that evidence against the facts, and identify the issues that may affect how the case should be handled.

  1. 01

    Start With the Exact Charge

    The defense begins by identifying precisely what has been alleged and what issues are relevant to that particular offense rather than treating every criminal case the same way.

  2. 02

    Examine How the Evidence Was Developed

    Police reports and charging documents tell only part of the story. The surrounding circumstances, the investigation and the way evidence was obtained can all become important to understanding the case.

  3. 03

    Compare Statements, Records & Other Evidence

    Witness accounts, video, photographs, communications, records and other available material may support, contradict or add important context to the allegation.

  4. 04

    Identify Legal & Evidentiary Issues

    Once the facts are understood, the defense can evaluate whether there are legal, procedural or evidentiary issues that should influence negotiations, motions, trial preparation or another part of the strategy.

  5. 05

    Build the Strategy Around the Client

    The client's circumstances and priorities matter. Decisions about negotiation, litigation and trial preparation should be made with an understanding of both the evidence and what the outcome may mean for the person facing the charge.

A criminal charge is an accusation, not a complete account of what happened. Reviewing the facts and evidence carefully is what allows the defense strategy to develop around the actual case.

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Understanding the Charge

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges

Both felonies and misdemeanors are criminal offenses in Virginia, but the classification can affect the potential consequences, the court process and how the defense should be prepared.

Serious Criminal Charges

Felony Charges

6

Virginia classifies felonies into six classes for punishment and sentencing purposes. Felony cases can involve substantially more serious consequences and generally require careful attention to both the evidence and the procedural path of the case.

  • 01 Six Statutory Classes Virginia law identifies Class 1 through Class 6 felonies, although some offenses may have their own specific statutory punishment provisions.
  • 02 Different Court Path A felony case may begin with proceedings in General District Court, including a preliminary hearing when applicable, while felony trials are handled in Circuit Court.
  • 03 Evidence Matters Early Because felony allegations can carry serious consequences, understanding the evidence and the procedural posture of the case early can be important to defense planning.
Explore Felony Defense
Criminal Offenses

Misdemeanor Charges

4

Virginia classifies misdemeanors into four classes. Although they are generally less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are still criminal charges and should not be treated as if they were simply ordinary traffic tickets.

  • 01 Four Statutory Classes Virginia law identifies Class 1 through Class 4 misdemeanors for punishment and sentencing purposes.
  • 02 District Court Proceedings Adult misdemeanor trials are generally heard in Virginia's General District Courts, subject to the particular charge and circumstances.
  • 03 Still a Criminal Matter The fact that an allegation is classified as a misdemeanor does not mean the charge is insignificant. The exact offense and evidence still need to be evaluated on their own terms.
Explore Misdemeanor Defense
Why It Matters

The Classification Changes the Context

01

Potential Consequences

The authorized punishment depends on the specific offense, its classification and other applicable provisions of Virginia law.

02

Court Procedure

Felony and misdemeanor cases can travel through different stages and courts, which affects how the case must be prepared.

03

Defense Strategy

The charge, evidence, court posture and client's circumstances should all inform the strategy rather than relying only on the felony or misdemeanor label.

The classification is only one part of the case. The exact statute charged, facts, available evidence and procedural history can all affect what the allegation means and how the defense should respond.

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Selected Case Results

Defense Measured by Preparation & Outcomes

No attorney can promise what will happen in a future case. Past results can, however, provide context about the types of criminal, DUI and related matters Nichols & Green has previously handled.

  1. 01
    Property Crime

    Larceny Charge

    A past Nichols & Green matter involving a larceny allegation resulted in dismissal of the charge.

    Reported Result Dismissed
  2. 02
    Criminal Defense

    Criminal Charges

    The firm's past case-results materials include criminal matters in which charges were dismissed.

    Past Outcome Dismissed
  3. 03
    DUI Defense

    DUI Charge

    One reported DUI matter was resolved with the original DUI charge reduced to reckless driving.

    Reported Result Reduced
  4. 04
    Traffic Defense

    Aggressive Driving

    The firm's reported results also include an aggressive-driving case in which the original charge was reduced.

    Reported Result Reduced

Prior results depend on the facts and circumstances of each individual matter. Past outcomes do not guarantee, predict or imply a similar result in any future case.

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Attorney Garrett D. Green of Nichols and Green PLLC
Nichols & Green PLLC

Garrett D. Green

Criminal Defense Attorney · Fairfax, Virginia

Criminal Defense Counsel

A Defense Built Around Your Actual Case

Garrett D. Green represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Northern Virginia. The defense begins by understanding the exact allegation, reviewing the evidence behind it and identifying the issues that may affect how the case should move forward.

Criminal defense is not just about knowing the name of the charge. The facts, evidence, court, witnesses and client's circumstances all shape the decisions that come next.

  1. 01

    Evidence Before Assumptions

    A police report or accusation is a starting point, not necessarily the complete picture. The defense can evaluate the available records, statements and other evidence before deciding how to respond.

  2. 02

    Strategy for the Specific Charge

    Felony, misdemeanor, assault, theft, drug and other allegations raise different factual and legal questions. The strategy should respond to the particular offense and circumstances involved.

  3. 03

    Preparation for Court

    Whether the case involves negotiations, motions, a hearing or trial preparation, the defense should enter each stage with a clear understanding of the evidence and the available options.

  4. 04

    Decisions Made With the Client

    The person facing the charge has to live with the outcome. Understanding the client's priorities and circumstances is part of evaluating which strategy makes sense.

Criminal Defense Focus
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Client Experiences

What Clients Remember After Court

A criminal case can be stressful long before the first court appearance. Client feedback provides another perspective on the firm's communication, preparation and representation throughout that process.

★★★★★ Reckless Driving Defense
Client Feedback
“Thanks to his professionalism and compassion.”

The client described being criminally charged with reckless driving and said Mr. Green helped make the process easier to understand while obtaining a reduced charge.

SK Sinain Kauv-Seang Nichols & Green client
★★★★★ Repeat DUI
“His skill and dedication made a life-changing difference.”
AC Anonymous Confirmed case
★★★★★ Accident / Traffic Matter
“Reduced my original ticket to one with a lesser penalty.”
AI Amirah Ifton Nichols & Green client
Defense Focus Criminal & Traffic Cases
Based In Fairfax, Virginia
Representation Northern Virginia
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Reviews reflect individual client experiences. Every legal matter is different, and client testimonials do not guarantee or predict the outcome of any future case.

Criminal Defense Questions

Questions After a Criminal Charge

The first questions after an arrest or criminal charge are often about what happens next, which court will hear the case and what can be done before the next court date.

Important

These answers provide general information about Virginia criminal cases. The procedure and available options can differ depending on the exact charge and facts.

Ask About Your Case
01 What should I do after being charged with a crime in Virginia?

Start by confirming the exact charge, court and upcoming court date shown on your paperwork. Keep the documents you were given and preserve materials that may relate to what happened.

An attorney can then evaluate the allegation, the evidence that may be involved and the procedural stage of the case before decisions are made about negotiations, motions, hearings or trial preparation.

02 Is a Virginia misdemeanor still a criminal charge?

Yes. Virginia distinguishes criminal offenses from traffic infractions, and misdemeanors remain criminal offenses. Virginia currently divides misdemeanors into four classes.

Adult misdemeanor trials are generally handled in General District Court. The exact significance of the charge depends on the particular offense and the circumstances of the case.

See our Misdemeanor Defense page for more focused information.

03 What happens when the charge is a felony?

Virginia currently divides felonies into six classes. A felony case can involve proceedings in General District Court before proceeding to Circuit Court, depending on how the case begins and develops.

Virginia law provides a person arrested on a felony charge a right to a preliminary hearing on whether reasonable grounds exist to believe the accused committed the offense, unless that hearing is waived in writing.

Felony cases that proceed to trial are heard in Circuit Court. Learn more on the Felony Defense page.

04 Can a criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?

Criminal cases can end in different ways, but no particular outcome can be promised in advance. Whether a charge may be challenged, reduced, dismissed, negotiated or taken to trial depends on the evidence, the applicable law, procedural issues and the circumstances of the individual case.

That is why the defense should begin with the actual allegation and evidence rather than assuming what the result will be based only on the name of the charge.

05 What is a preliminary hearing in a Virginia felony case?

A preliminary hearing is an early stage that can occur in a felony case. The issue is whether there is sufficient basis for the felony allegation to continue beyond that stage.

Virginia law provides a preliminary-hearing right to a person arrested on a felony charge, but the accused may waive that hearing in writing. Whether waiving or holding the hearing makes sense is a case-specific strategic question.

06 What information should I have when contacting a criminal defense attorney?

If available, have your summons, warrant, charging document or other court paperwork nearby. It is also helpful to know the upcoming court date, where the case is pending and the basic sequence of events that led to the allegation.

You do not need to have every fact or piece of evidence identified before speaking with an attorney.

07 What types of criminal charges does Nichols & Green handle?

The Criminal Charges practice includes felony and misdemeanor defense, assault and battery, domestic assault, drug crimes, larceny and theft, fraud, juvenile matters and record-related matters addressed through the firm's expungement practice.

You can return to Criminal Charges We Defend to select the page most closely related to your case.

08 Where does Nichols & Green handle criminal cases?

Nichols & Green is based in Fairfax and represents clients in criminal matters throughout Northern Virginia. The particular court involved matters because criminal procedure is tied to both the charge and the jurisdiction where the case is pending.

Visit Areas We Serve for the site's location-specific defense pages.

General information only; not legal advice. Criminal procedure can vary with the charge and facts of the case. Attorney review is recommended before publication.

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Criminal Defense Starts Here

Charged With a Crime? Do Not Guess What Comes Next.

If you are facing a felony, misdemeanor or other criminal allegation in Northern Virginia, the next step is to understand exactly what has been charged, what evidence may be involved and what court dates or deadlines are approaching. Nichols & Green can review the situation and help you evaluate the path forward.

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Fairfax-Based Defense Felony & Misdemeanor Matters Northern Virginia Representation