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Criminal Defense

Fighting for the Freedom of Those Accused of Crimes

The Sprano Law Firm provides criminal defense for people accused of misdemeanors and felonies in Fairfax and throughout Northern Virginia.  With more than two decades of combined experience as criminal defense lawyers, handling literally thousands of criminal cases involving all manner of charges, our attorneys have built an impressive record of success.

We Prepare Each Case to Succeed

Winning at Trial

We approach each case by first preparing to go to trial and win if possible.  When you come to the office for your initial appointment, we will begin by gathering as much information about your case as we can in order to identify and evaluate every possible defense.  Even though the majority of criminal charges are ultimately resolved by negotiation through plea bargaining, we understand that you are not a statistic.  We do not simply assume that a guilty plea is a foregone conclusion before even evaluating the strength of the evidence both for and against you.  Assumptions like that lead attorneys to overlook meritorious factual, procedural, and technical defenses in your case.  We do not overlook any possible defenses.

Effective Negotiation

As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we know that diligent and thorough preparation is one of the keys to success at trial, and it is never too early to start.  Not only does this approach prepare us for success in the courtroom, it also increases our bargaining power during plea negotiations. Prosecutors are well aware of which attorneys are prepared and willing to go to trial, and which ones aren't.  They also know which lawyers are capable of winning even a difficult case.  These factors play an important role in the negotiating process.   Hiring a trusted and well-respected trial attorney can often lead to favorable plea bargain offers that involve reduced charges and/or reduced sentences.

Sentencing:  Minimizing the Damage

An often overlooked aspect of criminal defense law is the ability to prepare and present an effective sentencing presentation to a judge.  Even though well over 90% of all criminal cases end up at this stage, many criminal defense lawyers do not adequately prepare either themselves or their clients for this critical part of the process.    Our attorneys know and understand the factors that will effect the Sentencing Guidlines in Virginia and Federal Court.  We know which arguments are effective at sentencing, and which ones are not.  We know how to present evidence in mitigation and put the isolated misdeeds of your case into perspective and context, offering appropriate explanations and getting the judge to consider the good of your life as well as the bad.  Most importantly, we know that it is never too early to begin preparing for what is often the most important stage of a criminal case.

Defense Against State and Federal Criminal Charges

Our lawyers defend against misdemeanor charges and felony charges, state criminal charges and federal criminal charges:

Drug Crimes

Our attorneys defend those accused of all drug crimes, including:

Theft and Fraud Crimes

Our attorneys defend those accused of all theft and fraud crimes, including:

  • Shoplifting
  • Petit Larceny and Grand Larceny
  • Auto theft and vehicle tampering
  • Breaking and Entering; Burglary
  • Possession of Burglary Tools
  • Larceny with Intent to Sell
  • White collar crimes
  • Embezzlement
  • Forgery, Uttering, & Bad Checks
  • False Pretenses

Violent Crimes

Our Attorneys defend those accused of all violent crimes, including:

  • Domestic Violence
  • Assault and battery
  • Gang crimes
  • Murder
  • Robbery
  • Malicious Wounding / Aggravated Assault
  • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm / Weapons Charges
  • Assault on a Police Officer

Sex Crimes

Our attorneys defend those accused of all sex crimes, including:

  • Rape and sexual assault
  • Statutory rape
  • Internet solicitation and other Internet sex crimes
  • Indecent exposure
  • Indecent Liberties
  • Child Molestation
  • Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
  • Sexual Battery

DUI and Traffic Charges

Our attorneys defend those accused of DUI and other criminal traffic charges, including:

  • Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated (DUI/DWI)
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Hit and run
  • Driving on Suspended, Driving on Revoked
  • Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle ("Move Over" charges)

Other Criminal Offenses

Our attorneys also defend those accused of all other criminal charges, misdemeanors or felonies, including:

  • Trespassing
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Drunk in public
  • Underage possession of alcohol
  • Phone threats
  • Stalking
  • Obstruction of Justice
  • Destruction of Property
  • Arson
  • Bomb Threats

Defense for Adults and Juveniles

We represent defendants of all ages. Through experience we have developed considerable expertise in the unique issues involved with juvenile criminal defense.

Representation at all Stages of a Criminal Cases

Our attorneys are qualified to represent defendants at all stages of the criminal justice system, including the initial bond motion or bail hearing, motions to suppress and other pre-trial motions, bench trials or jury trials, sentencing hearings, and probation violation hearings. We also handle appeals to the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Virginia, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

To discuss your criminal defense case with one of our dedicated lawyers, call us at 703-763-0979 or send us an e-mail.

Our office is located near the Fairfax County courthouse. We are open for appointments Monday through Friday, and available by phone and e-mail seven days a week.

Spanish language service is available.