Facing a criminal charge is an extremely stressful experience, and the process can be downright frightening and confusing.  From dealing with the initial encounter with law enforcement to navigating the pretrial bond process to preparing for trial, the process can feel like a maize.      

At Elsayed Law, we work directly with you and your family to demystify the process, to quickly work on seeking your release on bond pending trial, and to identify all legal issues and possible defenses and pursue them diligently. 
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The U.S. Constitution guarantees several critical rights for those accused of committing a crime.  Those protections include:
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• the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches and seizures,
• the Fifth Amendment’s protections against compelled self-incrimination and against double jeopardy,
• the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial and to the effective assistance of counsel, and
• the Eighth Amendment’s protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

In addition to these constitutional rights, Virginia and federal laws provide a host of important procedural and substantive rights to criminal defendants.
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But those rights are only as effective as the attorney you retain to help you assert them.  At Elsayed Law, we work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.  We know how difficult and emotional this process can be, so we walk you through every step of the case to ensure that you understand the process, know your rights, and have the tools necessary to make informed decisions.      

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Types of Criminal Cases We Handle.

From simple misdemeanors to complex felonies, we handle all types of criminal cases in Northern Virginia in both state and federal courts. The types of cases we handle include the following:
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• Assaults.  Assault crimes can range from misdemeanor charges, like simple assault and battery or domestic violence, to serious felonies like unlawful wounding and malicious wounding. Misdemeanor assault and battery in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to twelve months in jail, and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Domestic assault is also a Class 1 misdemeanor but is often treated more seriously. It can also result in the imposition of a civil protective order, leading to additional collateral consequences. Unlawful wounding, which requires a more serious injury than a simple assault and battery, is a Class 6 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Malicious wounding is far more serious, with a penalty of up to twenty years in prison. The type of proof necessary for each of these assault crimes varies, and a number of defenses may apply, including self-defense, defense of others, or mistaken identity.

 

• Drug Offenses.​  Drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively in Virginia. They include offenses like distribution of marijuana, possession or distribution of a controlled substance (such as cocaine, heroin, or any drug scheduled under the Drug Control Act), and manufacturing a controlled substance. While Virginia has recently decriminalized the simple possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana is still not legal in Virginia. Rather, it is a civil offense. In addition, the sale or distribution of marijuana remains a serious criminal offense in Virginia, as well as under federal law.

 

• Sex Offenses.  Sex offenses in Virginia vary from misdemeanor offenses, like sexual battery, solicitation of a prostitute, and indecent exposure, to more serious felonies like indecent liberties with a minor, aggravated sexual battery, forcible sodomy, and rape. Most prosecutors' offices have a Special Victims Unit dedicated to the prosecution of these offenses. A conviction for a sex offense can carry far more serious collateral consequences than other types of crimes. For example, most sex offenses require registration on the public Virginia Sex Offender Registry, along with a host of limitations imposed by regulations applicable to registered sex offenders. The impact of a conviction for a sex offense can be lifelong. 

 

• Theft and Fraud Crimes.  Theft offenses in Virginia include larceny, shoplifting, embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretenses, and possession of stolen goods. Fraud offenses can be charged in state or federal court, and they include credit card fraud, credit card theft, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Whether an offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the value of the item in question. Significantly, theft and fraud offenses are considered crimes involving moral turpitude, which means they often carry potentially significant collateral consequences, such as loss of immigration status or difficulty in obtaining employment.   

 

• Violent Crimes.  Although violent crimes account for a relatively small percentage of criminal cases, they are treated extremely seriously. Crimes like aggravated malicious wounding and robbery are punishable by up to life in prison, and even lesser violent offenses, such as gun offenses, burglary, and arson, can result in lengthy prison sentences.  

 

• Probation Violations.  While a probationary sentence can be a great result in a criminal case, violating the terms of probation can result in the revocation of the suspended portion of the sentence imposed by the court, leading to a prison or jail sentence. But probation violations often result from addiction or mental health issues, and being proactive in addressing the issues that led to the violation can go a long way towards achieving a favorable outcome at the revocation hearing. That is why it is important to retain an experienced probation violation attorney early in the process to begin addressing those issues directly.

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• Protective Orders.  Protective orders, also known as restraining orders, can be issued in cases of family abuse or when a petitioner alleges that they were subjected to an act or threat of violence that places them in reasonable fear for their safety. While protective orders are civil in nature, they often accompany criminal cases like domestic assault and battery. Additionally, any violation of a protective order is a criminal offense, and in cases of domestic violence, such a violation carries mandatory jail time.

 

• White Collar Crimes.  White collar crimes can be charged in state or federal court. They include offenses like bank fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, honest services fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and mail and wire fraud. These cases tend to be document-intensive and time-consuming; attention to detail is therefore critically important in defending against white collar charges. 

 

• Computer Crimes.  In recent years, computer crimes have received more attention from law enforcement as the number and variety of these cases has grown. Computer crimes can be as minor as misdemeanor computer trespass or as serious as possession, receipt, or distribution of child pornography. Defending against these types of charges requires a unique breadth and depth of understanding of the technology at issue and the possible technical and other defenses that may apply. 

 

• Murder and Homicide.  Homicides are extremely serious offenses. From murder to manslaughter charges, prosecutors aggressively prosecute offenses that result in fatalities. The most serious of homicides, capital murder, carries the possibility of a death sentence, and first degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Even unintentional killings can result in serious homicide charges, such as DUI manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. Not only is it important for your defense attorney in these types of cases to understand the forensic evidence and the crime scene analysis, but increasingly these cases involve a large volume of computer evidence that requires careful and competent analysis.  

 

• Conspiracies and Attempts.  Not all crimes are completed. But even when a criminal intent does not result in a successful criminal act, prosecutors can charge a variety of offenses known as "inchoate offenses." These include conspiracy to commit a criminal act, attempting a crime, aiding and abetting a criminal act, or acting as an accessory before the fact or after the fact of a crime. These crimes can be just as serious as the underlying but uncompleted offense, and they must be contested with the same level of thoroughness and diligence.

 

• Expungements: Our firm represents clients seeking expungement of criminal records to maintain their clean records.  While obtaining dismissal of a criminal charge is a significant accomplishment, the record of the original charge remains on public criminal records until expunged. Expungement is also important to avoid having to disclose a dismissed charge on applications for jobs or higher education.

 

• Criminal Investigations and Witness Representation: We represent clients facing criminal investigation by state and federal law enforcement. This includes witnesses facing grand jury subpoenas or questioning by local detectives or federal agents. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects your right not to be compelled to incriminate yourself. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer assisting you when you are contacted by law enforcement is critical to protecting that right. In addition, an attorney may be able to negotiate an immunity agreement on your behalf in the event that you have information relevant to an investigation of another.  It is important to consult an attorney before speaking with law enforcement or responding to a subpoena if you have any concerns about your own potential criminal liability.

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Have you or someone you know been charged with a crime?
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​Call us now: 703-884-2636