Criminal Defense

Fairfax Virginia Violent Crime Defense Attorneys

The criminal defense lawyers of MacDowell & Associates, have nearly forty combined years of trial experience protecting our clients from accusations of violent crimes. Crimes of violence often involve factual disputes (what happened) as well as legal issues (given what happened, does it rise to the level of a criminal act?). Our criminal defense lawyers immediately begin our own investigation regarding the evidence and charges against our client. Consulting private investigators, forensic experts, lab technicians, and a host of other professionals, our office meticulously reviews the facts presented by the prosecution. We identify the mishandling of evidence, police misconduct, failure to interview key witnesses, pursue alternative leads, or reconcile insistencies in timelines and testimony. In some situations, you may have a defense such as duress, heat of passion, accident, self-defense, defense of others, mutual combat, or perhaps others.

Many people accused of a violent crime come to MacDowell & Associates confused, angry, and wondering how the officer failed to understand and appreciate their side of the story. Often, nominal or mild contact during a heated argument can result in a criminal charge of misdemeanor assault and battery (Va. Code 18.2-57, and if someone has suffered visible injuries, the police may swear out a felony Warrant of Arrest for Malicious Wounding or Unlawful Wounding (Va. Code 18.2-51). When faced with these charges, you need an aggressive, experienced attorney to stand ground, advocate for you, and protect your interests.

"I think the charges will just be dropped. Maybe I don't need an attorney."

In some cases, a defendant may wrongly conclude that a criminal charge will be dropped simply because the alleged victim (also known as the complaining witness or complainant) does not want "to press charges." However, once a person is charged with an offense, only the prosecutor has the authority and discretion to drop the charge, and only a judge can dismiss a charge after hearing evidence and argument from the parties. This is because the prosecutor represents the Commonwealth of Virginia (whose laws have allegedly been violated), rather than the alleged victim. From the prosecutor's view, whoever the police charged is accused of violating the laws of the community, and because the prosecutor represents the state, the prosecutor is not required to drop a case because an individual victim wants the case to be over. Don't assume that your case is an easy one that will "just go away," or will automatically be dropped. The criminal defense lawyers at MacDowell & Associates will discuss your case and your concerns in an initial consultation which is protected by attorney-client confidentiality and is at NO cost to you. Protect your rights and fight the charges against you - contact violent crime defense lawyers at MacDowell & Associates today.

Violent Crime and Criminal Charges

The criminal defense attorneys at MacDowell & Associates defends clients charged with committing the following kinds of violent crime:

• Malicious Wounding/Unlawful Wounding
• Murder / manslaughter
• Kidnapping / abduction
• Robbery
• Assault and battery
• Arson

Understanding Your Options -- Contact MacDowell & Associates

The defense lawyers of MacDowell & Associates begin with the issue of whether a prosecutor can overcome the accused's presumption of evidence and prove in a court of law guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. Wecan position you to fight the charges against you with investigative resources, a command of the facts in your favor, a working knowledge of the law, and experienced negotiators who understand how the criminal justice system works. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss the charges against you and what we can do to help you challenge them, contact the MacDowell & Associates today.