Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Experience our expertise. We know how to organize it so you don’t have to.
Getting past the feelings of going through a criminal charge and back to your life takes a lot of legal planning, paperwork, and red tape. This is where our experience really pays off for our clients. Finding ways to get our clients out of criminal charges or bringing people through the criminal processing fast and easy have always been our primary goals. In law, experience definitely yields positive outcomes.
If you’ve been charged with a crime or know that you’re under investigation for criminal violation, seek legal representation from a reputable Virginia criminal law firm immediately. Michael Pignone is an attorney who has years of criminal law knowledge and experience. Call today to discuss your legal defense. Serving the local areas including Manassas, Fairfax, and all of Prince William County.
Cases We Handle
We represent clients who have been charged with the following crimes and offenses:
ARRESTED ON DUI CHARGES? WE’LL TAKE THE LOAD OFF.
Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can be an incredibly frightening experience. In the state of Virginia, these types of cases are prosecuted with extreme tenacity and can expose a person to a variety of harsh legal consequences, including expensive fines, mandatory alcohol education program participation, lengthy driver’s license suspensions, and even jail time. Since a person’s reputation and future can hang in the balance after a DUI arrest, knowing where to turn or who to trust can be confusing. Fortunately, the hard-hitting Virginia DUI lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael Pignone makes this decision easy.
Common Criminal Defense Strategies
The United States Constitution ensures that the criminal justice system treats every accused person as innocent until proven guilty. To obtain a conviction, the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Experienced Virginia criminal defense lawyers are proficient at raising that reasonable doubt.
Here are some strategies that Virginia criminal defense lawyers like Michael Pignone may use to protect your rights and help you avoid a criminal conviction.
Challenge the Stop
Law enforcement officers must have a legal and articulable reason to stop a person, whether they are driving, walking, or just standing somewhere. However, police officers are often overzealous in the pursuit of their duties and stop individuals without probable cause or reasonable suspicion.
Criminal defense attorneys should always examine the reason a police officer used to make contact with their clients. If the stop is invalid, any evidence they uncovered is inadmissible in court.
Entrapment
The police are not allowed to convince you to commit a crime. This is entrapment, and an experienced attorney familiar with criminal matters will always examine their client’s case for signs of it.
These are just a few of the defenses that top-tier Virginia criminal defense lawyers use to help their clients beat misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Our Virginia criminal defense attorney will tailor a specific defense for your case once he’s familiar with all of the circumstances.
Unlawful Interrogation
You have the right to remain silent, which is in your best interest in most criminal cases. If you told the police that you wanted to speak to a lawyer, they are not allowed to continue questioning you. Any responses that they illicit will be inadmissible.
Illegal Search
The police cannot search you, your property, your vehicle, etc. without your permission or a warrant — with some exceptions. However, many officers don’t want to spend the time to go through the legal process required to obtain a warrant. If the search is illegal, everything the police uncover is inadmissible — known as the fruit of the poisonous tree.
Criminal Defense FAQ
These are some of the most common questions that our clients facing criminal offenses ask. For answers to questions about your own criminal case, call the Law Offices of Michael Pignone to speak to a knowledgeable Virginia criminal lawyer.
Should I accept a plea agreement?
Is drug possession a felony charge?
Why choose Michael A. Pignone?
Experience, dedication and results
Client Testimonials
My daughter recently received a ticket for reckless driving. It is the first speeding ticket she has ever gotten. Michael worked with her and the court to have it fully dismissed if she agreed to a court ordered driver improvement class. He is professional and courteous. Top notch individual. Do yourself a favor and hire this gentleman. Won't be disappointed!
- Kevin B.I hired Mike through a friends referral for a serious wreckless driving charge. He was thorough, professional, and affordable. He was able to have my ticket resolved efficiently due to his relationship with the prosecutor. I hope I never need him again, but if I do, Mike will be the first call!
- Jeff L.Testimonials or endorsements does not constitute a guarantee, warranty of prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.