Criminal Defense

Silence is the most critical first weapons of a criminal suspect. As a Fairfax criminal attorney, I know that clearly stating "I am not talking" -- or similarly clear words -- requires police to stop questioning a suspect. This is true whether or not the...

Strangulation is a felony in Virginia, versus simple assault being a misdemeanor. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that a strangulation conviction does not require extreme choking. Virginia's strangulation statute provides that: "Any person who ... impedes the blood circulation or respiration of another...

Sure outcomes are rare in criminal defense, says Fairfax criminal lawyer. Sure outcomes should never be relied upon in criminal defense. We need look no further than the many split decisions of the United States Supreme Court to know that, being human, judges and jurors...

Great persuaders and negotiators know how to reach across the aisle to work with people who harbor plenty of opposing views. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know the persuasive value of setting aside political and personal differences to persuade others and to gain essential...

Public intoxication is overcharged in Virginia. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that an intoxicated in public conviction is not good for one's reputation, and the risks of fighting such prosecutions only involve hiring a lawyer, and paying court fines and costs.

Success in criminal court and elsewhere is not about winning with ideal and perfect circumstances. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that such success is about winning despite unanticipated hurdles, existing judges who run afoul of their oaths, police who don't accept that their...

Trafficking in sex workers -- in terms of forcing and coercing women to engage in prostitution -- apparently is widespread in the United States. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I expect that such trafficking will be reduced by legalizing and regulating prostitution. In places where...

Persuading is an essential art in criminal defense. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that the courthouse battle can include clients, opposing witnesses, prosecutors and judges who are stressed, angry or even off their rocker (hopefully only as to the first three). Criminal defense...

Prosecutors heading Virginia county commonwealth's attorneys' offices run for periodic re-election. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I do not know of any chief Northern Virginia prosecutor who does not substantially go against my clients’ interests, and I am not going to disserve my clients nor...