Felony Defense Attorney in Chesapeake
Serious Felony Charges Need Experienced Guidance—Call Pettrey Law, PLC
Being arrested or charged with a felony can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. You may be worried about jail, your job, and what this will mean for your family. In this moment, you need a felony criminal defense attorney in Chesapeake who will help you slow things down, understand your options, and start making a plan.
At Pettrey Law, PLC, we defend people facing felony charges in courts serving Chesapeake and nearby areas of Virginia. From the first call, you speak with a team that is focused on giving you clear information instead of legal jargon. Attorney Kevin Pettrey is directly involved in every felony matter, so you know who is standing beside you at each stage of your case.
If you or a loved one are facing a felony charge, the time to act is now. Contact a felony criminal defense attorney in Chesapeake at Pettrey Law, PLC by calling (757) 796-6996 or reaching out online. We offer a free consultation and payment plans to help you secure the defense you deserve without delay.
Understanding Felony Laws in Virginia
In Virginia, crimes are divided into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. A felony is defined as a serious crime that carries a potential sentence of one year or more in a state correctional facility. The Virginia Code classifies felonies into six distinct classes, each with its own set of mandatory and discretionary sentencing guidelines.
The Virginia Felony Classification System
- Class 1 Felonies: These are the most serious offenses, such as capital murder. They are punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
- Class 2 Felonies: This includes crimes like first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated malicious wounding. Sentences range from 20 years to life in prison.
- Class 3 Felonies: Offenses such as malicious wounding or certain arson charges fall here, carrying 5 to 20 years of incarceration.
- Class 4 Felonies: This category includes crimes like embezzlement or shooting into an occupied building. Penalties range from 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Class 5 & 6 Felonies: Often referred to as "wobblers," these are the least serious felonies. A Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years, while a Class 6 felony carries 1 to 5 years. However, in both cases, a judge or jury has the discretion to sentence the defendant to up to 12 months in jail instead, effectively treating the punishment like a misdemeanor.
Why Choose Our Firm For Felony Charges in Chesapeake
When you are looking for a felony attorney in Chesapeake, you are not just shopping for a service. You are deciding who will speak for you in a room where important decisions about your freedom and record are made. We understand how personal that choice is, and we treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
Attorney Kevin Pettrey has spent more than a decade guiding individuals and families through high conflict, high stakes legal problems in Virginia. That experience matters in felony cases, where the facts are often contested and the long term consequences can be significant.
Clients do not get shuffled between unfamiliar lawyers. Instead, Attorney Pettrey stays involved from the first phone call through the final hearing, so you always know who is reviewing your file and who will stand next to you in court.
Our firm has been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyer Rising Star and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. These honors reflect a commitment to strong advocacy and careful client attention. For you, this means we work to prepare thoroughly, communicate honestly about risks and options, and stay focused on what matters most in your life beyond the courtroom.
Values That Drive Us Integrity, Compassion, and Advocacy at Our Core
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Proven ResultsCommitted to excellence and proven success, we strive for favorable outcomes using experience and innovative legal strategies to protect your rights and interests.
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Integrity and TransparencyWe pride ourselves on building trust with our clients through open communication and honest advice. At Pettrey Law, you will always know where your case stands and the options available to you.
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Compassionate CounselWe understand that legal matters can be stressful and emotional. Our team is here to provide not only expert legal advice but also the empathy and understanding you need during challenging times.
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Client-Centered AdvocacyAt Pettrey Law, PLC, your needs come first. We focus on personalized legal strategies, ensuring you receive the guidance and support tailored to your unique situation.
What To Do After A Felony Arrest in Chesapeake
The hours and days after a felony arrest are often confusing. You may have paperwork you do not fully understand, a court date set in Chesapeake General District Court, or conditions of bond that affect where you can go and who you can see. Taking a few careful steps early can protect your options later.
Some immediate actions to consider:
- Use your right to remain silent. You are not required to explain your side to officers or investigators. What you say can be used in court, so it is usually safer to wait and speak with a lawyer first.
- Read your paperwork closely. Charging documents, bond forms, and notices of your first court date contain important information about what you are accused of and when you must appear.
- Follow all release conditions. Courts commonly impose rules about travel, contact with certain people, or drug and alcohol use. Violating those terms can lead to being taken back into custody.
- Write down what happened. As soon as you can, make notes about events leading up to the arrest, including names of witnesses and any messages or recordings that might be relevant.
- Contact an attorney promptly. Speaking with a felony defense attorney early can help you prepare for arraignment, bond hearings, and other initial proceedings in Chesapeake Circuit Court or other courts that may become involved.
You do not have to decide everything about your case in the first conversation. However, reaching out for legal guidance quickly gives you the chance to ask questions, understand the range of possible outcomes, and start building a plan rather than waiting for things to happen to you.
How We Defend Felony Charges
Facing a felony charge can feel overwhelming, but understanding the legal process and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a significant difference. Our approach is to guide you through every stage, clarify what to expect, and help you weigh decisions that may impact your future, whether that involves challenging evidence, negotiating a plea, or preparing for trial.
How We Handle Felony Defense:
- Explain the court process based on your specific charge, including whether your case begins in General District Court or Circuit Court.
- Review reports, evidence, and your account of events to assess potential defenses and the prosecution’s case.
- Discuss practical impacts of outcomes, including employment, family responsibilities, and immigration concerns.
- Evaluate strategies ranging from challenging the evidence to negotiating reduced charges or alternative resolutions.
- Provide transparent fee structures, free initial consultations, and flexible payment plans to address cost concerns.
Talk With Our Felony Attorney in Chesapeake About Your Case
A felony charge can make it feel like your future is no longer in your hands. Having a steady guide who knows the courts and takes the time to understand your life can make a real difference in how you experience the process. You do not have to face judges, prosecutors, and complicated procedures alone.
At Pettrey Law, PLC, Attorney Kevin Pettrey works directly with you to navigate each stage of your case and to look beyond the immediate crisis to your long term goals. We offer a free initial phone consultation, along with financing options and payment plans, so that getting legal advice is as manageable as possible.
To talk with our firm about your felony case, call (757) 796-6996 or reach out online now.