Felony Defense Attorney in Chesapeake
Direct Guidance from Attorney Kevin Pettrey Throughout Your Felony Case
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 defense attorney in Chesapeake who can 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 focused on giving you clear information instead of legal jargon. Attorney Kevin Pettrey is directly involved in every felony matter, providing direct involvement at each stage of your case.
If you’re 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 initial phone consultation, financing options, and payment plans.
Understanding Felony Laws in Virginia
Virginia divides criminal offenses into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-8, a felony is defined as a crime punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility. Virginia Code § 18.2-9 organizes felonies into six classes, and the class determines the range of punishment a court may impose. A misdemeanor, by contrast, carries potential confinement in a local jail rather than a state correctional facility.
The Virginia Felony Classification System
The penalties below reflect the statutory ranges under Virginia Code § 18.2-10. The statutory range isn’t a prediction of the sentence in any individual case. The penalty actually imposed depends on the charged offense, the felony class, any statutory enhancements, prior convictions, and the sentencing circumstances. Some Virginia offenses carry unclassified penalties, mandatory minimums, or additional sentencing provisions that may alter these ranges.
- Class 1 Felonies: The most serious classified offenses, punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
- Class 2 Felonies: Punishable by life imprisonment or a term of 20 years to life, and a fine of up to $100,000.
- Class 3 Felonies: Carry 5 to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
- Class 4 Felonies: Carry 2 to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
- Class 5 Felonies: Carry 1 to 10 years of imprisonment, or in applicable cases up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Class 6 Felonies: Carry 1 to 5 years of imprisonment, or in applicable cases up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-15, felony imprisonment is generally served in a state correctional facility, though Class 5 and Class 6 punishment may be fixed as jail confinement in applicable cases. Identifying the correct charge classification and sentencing provisions is essential to understanding what you face, which is why speaking with a felony lawyer in Chesapeake early matters.
Direct Involvement from Attorney Kevin Pettrey in Every Felony Case
When you’re looking for a felony attorney in Chesapeake, you’re not just shopping for a service. You’re 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 don’t get shuffled between unfamiliar lawyers. Attorney Pettrey stays involved from the first phone call through the final hearing, so you know who reviews your file and stands 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. We prepare thoroughly, communicate honestly about risks and options, and stay focused on what matters most in your life beyond the courtroom. Because we also handle family law matters, we’re attentive to ways a criminal case can intersect with custody arrangements, court orders, or other family responsibilities you may be navigating at the same time.
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 don’t 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’re not required to explain your side to officers or investigators. What you say can be used in court, so it’s 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’re 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 result in being taken back into custody and may create additional legal problems.
- Preserve relevant information. As soon as you can, write down what happened leading up to the arrest. Note the names of any witnesses and preserve messages, photographs, or recordings that might be relevant. Don’t alter or delete anything.
- Contact an attorney promptly. Speaking with a felony defense attorney early gives you the chance to prepare for arraignment, bond hearings, and other initial proceedings in Chesapeake Circuit Court or other courts that may become involved.
Reaching out promptly gives us an opportunity to review your charging documents, discuss any bond conditions, and prepare you for the next court proceeding.
How We Defend Felony Charges
How We Handle Felony Defense:
- Explain the court process based on your specific charge, including whether your case begins in General District Court or moves to Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Review police reports, evidence, witness statements, and your account of events to assess potential defenses and the strength of the prosecution’s case.
- Discuss practical impacts of outcomes, including employment, family responsibilities, and immigration concerns.
- Evaluate strategies that may include challenging the legality of a search or seizure, testing the sufficiency of the evidence, negotiating reduced charges, or preparing for trial.
- Explain our fees clearly and offer a free initial phone consultation, financing options, and payment plans to address cost concerns from the outset.
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. You don’t have to face judges, prosecutors, and complicated procedures alone.
At Pettrey Law, PLC, Attorney Kevin Pettrey works directly with you at each stage, explains your options clearly, and considers both the immediate charge and 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.