Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney: Your Questions Answered
(Arlington, VA - November 2025) Facing a criminal charge can be one of the most stressful experiences of a person's life. The uncertainty and fear about the future are overwhelming. When facing the complexities of the Virginia criminal justice system, reliable information is essential. David Deane Law has over 18 years of dedicated experience in the Northern Virginia legal system, including extensive work in the Arlington and Fairfax courts. Their criminal defense attorney understands what clients are going through. David Deane Law has built a reputation for providing clear, reliable answers and aggressive defense for clients in the region. As a premier Arlington criminal defense lawyer, David Deane is prepared to answer the top questions that people have regarding their rights and defense options.
Top 7 Questions for an Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney: Answers from David Deane Law
When an individual is confronted by law enforcement or charged with a crime, questions flood the mind. Searching online can lead to confusing and conflicting information. Arlington criminal defense attorney David Deane Law is here to provide clarity. At David Deane Law, an informed client is an empowered one.
David Deane Law has compiled answers to the top seven questions people ask about criminal law in Virginia. These answers are based on the extensive experience gained in local courts. If immediate help is needed, contact David Deane Law for a free consultation to discuss a specific situation with their experienced criminal defense attorney.
1. What should I do if I am arrested in Arlington, VA?
The most important thing to do if arrested in Northern Virginia is to remain calm and silent. An individual is not required to answer questions from law enforcement, and anything said can be used to build a case, even when only trying to prove innocence. Politely assert the right to an attorney.
The priority should be to seek qualified legal counsel immediately. An experienced criminal lawyer protects a client's best interests while guiding them on how to cooperate with an investigation without giving up constitutional rights.
David Deane Law urges all clients to remember these key steps:
State clearly, "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
Politely say, "I want to speak with my lawyer."
Do not resist arrest, but do not offer any explanations or information to officers.
Choosing an Arlington criminal defense attorney who knows the local court system—including the procedures and prosecutors in Arlington and Fairfax—is vital. Criminal defense lawyer David Deane can begin building a strong defense case from the moment a client calls.
2. What are my Miranda rights, and why is the right to remain silent important?
Your Miranda rights are a set of warnings the police must provide before a custodial interrogation. These rights are fundamental to protecting your civil rights during a criminal investigation. If these rights are not read properly, an Arlington criminal defense attorney may be able to use that violation to have evidence suppressed.
These rights are designed to prevent you from incriminating yourself. David Deane Law stresses that your two most important Miranda rights are:
You have the right to remain silent.
You have the right to an attorney.
Exercising your right to remain silent is critical because it prevents the prosecution from using your own words against you. People often think they can talk their way out of a situation, but this rarely works and usually provides more evidence for the criminal case against them. Always wait to speak with criminal defense lawyer David Deane before offering any statement or explanation.
3. Do I need a criminal defense attorney for my case?
Yes, you absolutely need a criminal defense attorney. Facing the Virginia criminal justice system alone is a significant risk. The prosecution has vast resources and is focused on securing a conviction. Without proper legal representation from a criminal defense attorney, an individual may not understand the charges, the defense options, or the potential long-term consequences.
Criminal defense attorney David Deane provides personalized attention that is often critical in criminal cases. While public defenders work hard, a private attorney like Arlington criminal defense attorney David Deane can dedicate the necessary time and resources to every aspect of the case.
Experienced criminal defense attorney David Deane can:
Handle all complex paperwork and court filings to avoid costly mistakes.
Build a strong defense strategy tailored specifically to the client's case facts.
David Deane knows how to challenge the prosecution's evidence in Northern Virginia courts and negotiate for the best possible outcome. Don't leave your future to chance; secure an experienced advocate to fight for you.
4. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Virginia?
In Virginia, the primary difference between a felony and a misdemeanor lies in the severity of the potential punishment. A criminal offense is classified based on the maximum sentence it carries. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, generally punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Felonies are the most serious and come with severe penalties, including prison sentences of a year or more.
Even a misdemeanor conviction can have a lasting impact on your life, affecting employment and housing opportunities. A felony conviction is life-altering, resulting in lengthy prison sentences and the permanent loss of certain civil rights, like the right to vote or own a firearm. It is important to have a criminal defense attorney who understands these distinctions and can fight to reduce charges whenever possible.
Criminal defense attorney David Deane focuses on protecting clients from these severe consequences. If you are facing criminal charges in Northern Virginia, contact Arlington criminal defense attorney David Deane immediately to understand the exact nature and consequences of the charge.
5. How does the bail process work in Arlington courts?
The bail process allows a person charged with a crime to be released from custody while their criminal case is pending. After an arrest in Arlington, VA, a magistrate or judge will determine whether to grant bail and, if so, the amount. This decision is based on key factors like the nature of the charge, the defendant's criminal history, and whether the defendant is considered a flight risk.
An experienced Arlington criminal defense lawyer can be invaluable during the bail process. Arlington criminal defense lawyer David Deane can argue on a client's behalf at a bond hearing, presenting evidence and arguments to persuade the judge to set a reasonable bail amount or to release the client on their own recognizance (a written promise to appear in court).
Having criminal defense lawyer David Deane involved early can make the difference between waiting for a trial in jail or at home. Lowering bail can also reduce the financial strain of court costs on the client and their family as they prepare their defense.
6. Can police search my car or home without a warrant?
The U.S. Constitution protects your civil rights by generally requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant before searching your home or vehicle. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. For example, if an officer sees something illegal in plain view or has probable cause to believe a vehicle contains evidence of a crime, they may be able to conduct a search without a warrant.
David Deane Law stresses that it is critical that you never consent to a search. If an officer asks for permission to search your property, you have the right to say no. Politely state, "Officer, I do not consent to a search." Consenting to a search waives your constitutional protections and may give the prosecution evidence it otherwise couldn't obtain.
Challenging the legality of a search is a common and often successful defense strategy in a criminal case. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search, any evidence they found may be suppressed, meaning the prosecution cannot use it against you. Arlington criminal defense attorney David Deane thoroughly scrutinizes police procedures to ensure your Fourth Amendment rights are protected.
7. How can I get a past criminal conviction expunged or sealed in Northern Virginia?
Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying a criminal charge from your record. In Virginia, the laws surrounding expungement are complex. Generally, an individual may be eligible for an expungement if the case was dismissed, the person was acquitted (found not guilty), or the prosecution chose not to pursue the charges (nolle prosequi).
Unfortunately, you cannot typically expunge a conviction that you pleaded guilty to or were found guilty of, with very few exceptions. Understanding your eligibility requires a detailed review of your specific case. The expungement process in Virginia involves filing a petition with the court and demonstrating that you deserve to have your record cleared.
Experienced Arlington criminal defense attorney David Deane can navigate this complicated process for you. If a past charge is on your record, contact David Deane Law to see if you are eligible for expungement and can move forward with a clean slate.
Why Choose David Deane Law as Your Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer
When an individual's freedom is on the line, the criminal defense lawyer chosen matters. David Deane Law offers more than just legal advice; the firm provides a dedicated partnership focused on protecting the client's future. With a proven track record of success in Northern Virginia, Arlington criminal defense lawyer David Deane brings aggressive and strategic advocacy to every case.
He has built a foundation of local knowledge while providing personalized legal strategies for each case. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, David Deane fights relentlessly for clients, exploring every angle of a case while building the strongest defense possible.
Criminal Defense Lawyer with Vast Local Experience with Arlington and Fairfax Courts
Northern Virginia's legal landscape is unique and fast-paced. Arlington County is one of the busiest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth, and its courts handle a high volume of cases every day. Navigating this system requires more than just knowing criminal law; it requires firsthand experience and established local relationships.
Criminal defense lawyer David Deane has spent years practicing in the Arlington General District Court. This experience provides invaluable insights into how local prosecutors handle specific types of cases. David Deane’s familiarity with the Arlington court system extends to its unique neighborhoods, including:
Ballston and Clarendon
Rosslyn and Crystal City
This deep-rooted experience in Arlington and Fairfax courts gives clients a distinct advantage. David Deane knows the procedures and the strategies that work in Northern Virginia.
Arlington Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing Aggressive Strategies for Criminal Charges
A criminal charge is not a conviction. At David Deane Law, a proactive and aggressive defense strategy is employed for every client, whether the client is facing a misdemeanor, felony, or serious traffic offense like reckless driving. The defense begins by meticulously scrutinizing every piece of the prosecution's evidence to find weaknesses.
This comprehensive approach involves:
Challenging the Legality of Stops and Arrests: Questioning whether law enforcement had proper probable cause or reasonable suspicion for the initial stop, detention, or arrest.
Contesting Evidence Collection: Scrutinizing the procedures used by police to gather evidence, including search and seizure methods and the handling of any physical or digital evidence.
Attacking Witness Reliability: Thoroughly interviewing and preparing to cross-examine any witnesses presented by the prosecution.
This meticulous approach is a cornerstone of the firm's defense strategy. David Deane is committed to exploring every available option to protect a client's rights and secure the most favorable outcome in their case.
Protect your future by contacting Arlington criminal defense attorney David Deane Law immediately for a confidential, free consultation to discuss your defense strategy.
Media Contact:
David Deane Law
1100 North Glebe Rd. Suite 1010
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 596-9946
URL: Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney | David Deane Law
