Herndon, VA Criminal Defense Lawyers

Protecting Your Rights Against Criminal Charges in Fairfax County

Facing criminal charges can be one of the most daunting challenges a person can experience during their life. A criminal conviction will have severe repercussions on your personal freedom, future employment, reputation, and in some cases, your immigration status. At The Law Firm of Ruiz Dougherty, PLLC, located in Herndon, Virginia, our skilled attorneys provide representation in a broad spectrum of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. We help our clients develop successful defense strategies while working to protect their rights and help them resolve their cases successfully. With our extensive experience in immigration law, we can help address the unique concerns that may affect immigrants who have been charged with crimes.

Providing Representation in Criminal Cases in Fairfax County

We can assist with many different types of criminal charges, including:

• DUI (driving under the influence): People who are arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs may face fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. We represent clients in DUI cases, focusing on challenging the circumstances of arrests, reviewing the administration and accuracy of breathalyzer or field sobriety tests, and determining what other defenses may be available. We work to resolve these cases in ways that will allow our clients to minimize the ways their lives will be affected and get back on the road as soon as possible.
• Assault and battery: These charges may arise in a multitude of situations, including arguments, bar fights, or other interpersonal disputes. A person may face either misdemeanor or felony charges depending on factors such as whether injuries were inflicted or whether they were allegedly armed with a deadly weapon. Our defense approach may include contesting the alleged facts, asserting self-defense, or negotiating reduced charges, depending on the specifics of a case.
• Domestic violence: People who are accused of abuse against their spouses, children, or other family members may not only face legal consequences, but their relationships with family and friends and other aspects of their lives may also be affected. These accusations can impact child custody rights, employment, and more. Our attorneys handle these cases with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality, defending clients against unjust accusations or presenting mitigating circumstances to minimize the impact of domestic violence charges.
• Drug crimes: From simple possession to distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of controlled substances, drug-related offenses can vary widely in terms of severity and potential penalties. Our legal team explores all avenues of defense, including challenging the legality of searches and seizures by law enforcement and advocating for rehabilitation programs over incarceration when applicable.
• Theft: Property crimes can range from petty theft to major burglary or robbery. Consequences can include jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. We defend clients by challenging the prosecution's evidence, negotiating plea bargains, or pursuing dismissals based on procedural errors or insufficient evidence.
• Other misdemeanor and felony offenses: Our attorneys are equipped to handle a variety of other criminal charges. We work with our clients to develop comprehensive defense strategies that take all aspects of the law and the specifics of individual cases into account.

Criminal Charges and Immigration Status

For non-citizens, the stakes in a criminal case can be particularly high. In some cases, criminal convictions may lead to deportation, exclusion from admission to the U.S., or denial of naturalization. At The Law Firm of Ruiz Dougherty, PLLC, we leverage our deep understanding of both criminal law and immigration law to provide defenses that consider the impact of criminal proceedings on a client's immigration status. We work diligently to prevent the harsh immigration consequences that can come with criminal convictions, and we work to ensure that our clients can address any concerns that may arise during the immigration process.

Contact Our Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyers

For anyone who has been charged with a crime, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel immediately. At The Law Firm of Ruiz Dougherty, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing effective representation and ensuring that our clients' rights are protected throughout the criminal process. To discuss your criminal case and get the representation you need, contact us at 571-441-2233 and set up a free consultation today.