Richmond Felony Attorney

Felony Defense Lawyer Serving Virginia

Felonies are the most serious charges you'll ever face. Even the least severe felony comes with one to five years of prison time. When you're facing a felony, your most important task will be finding the best felony defense lawyer to represent you. The Richmond felony defense attorney at The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has decades of experience defending clients from serious charges at all levels in the Virginia court system—Attorney Paul C. Galanides can help.

Contact us today to learn how our Richmond felony defense attorney can defend you.

Put a Former Prosecutor On Your Side

As a private defense lawyer, Mr. Galanides makes it his job to study judges and prosecutors in Richmond and the Central Virginia area. As a former prosecutor himself, he understands the ins and outs of developing the state's case against an accused felon. Today, he uses his knowledge of prosecutorial strategy to craft defenses specifically suited to his clients' needs. For 27 years, he has been the felony defense attorney in Richmond to turn to for results, getting charges dismissed or reduced or getting acquittals at trial.

How are Felonies Charged in Virginia?

Virginia law divides Felony charges into different classes, according to the severity of the potential punishment. Class 6 Felonies are the least severe and Class 1 Felonies are the most severe.

The classifications and penalties for Virginia felony offenses are as followings:

Class 6 felonies are the least severe classification of felonies. They are called "wobblers" because they might be reduced to a misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class 6 Felony is 1-5 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
Class 5 felony crimes are slightly more serious than Class 6 and carry 1-10 years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines. They are also referred to as "wobblers" because they can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor.
Class 4 felony crimes may involve arson, kidnapping, prostitution, and manslaughter. The penalties for a Class 4 Felony include 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Class 3 felony crimes involve injuring someone through shooting, stabbing, or attempted poisoning. It carries a penalty of 5-20 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines
Class 2 felony crimes involve intentional and malicious actions. These offenses are severely penalized with 20 years to life in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Class 1 felonies are the most serious crimes in Virginia. Penalties for a Class 1 felony include mandatory life in prison, the death penalty, and/or $100,000 in fines.

What Crimes Can be Charged as Felonies?

The following crimes can be charged as a felony in Virginia:

Virginia Class 1 Felony Defense: Capital Crimes

Class 1 Felonies (which include crimes like capital murder) are punishable by death and are also called Capital crimes. Attorney Paul C. Galanides was specifically trained to handle his first death penalty case in 1997. Since then he has been attorney of record for over two dozen death penalty cases. When facing the most serious charge in the criminal justice system, you need a class 1 felony lawyer with serious experience. You need the right lawyer, right now. Mr. Galanides has the skill and means to take cases no matter what is at stake.

If you've been convicted of a Class 1 Felony, you are at the beginning of a long battle to overturn your conviction on appeal. The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has represented clients at every level of the criminal justice system, filing direct appeals to argue for proper justice. When you need someone who can understand your needs at every level, who will transform your facts into a solid defense, call the firm’s Richmond felony defense attorney.

Call (804) 977-0110 or contact Mr. Galanides online. While quality representation isn't free, he offers a free initial consultation to help answer your questions.

Local Support for Felony Defense in Richmond, VA

When facing felony charges in Richmond, it's crucial to have a defense attorney who understands the local legal landscape and community. The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. is deeply familiar with the intricacies of the Richmond judicial system and the unique challenges residents face. Mr. Galanides stays up to date with key government entities, including the Richmond Department of Justice Services and the Richmond Circuit Court. In turn, this allows him to develop compelling defense strategies for clients.

Compassionate & Personalized Defense

Richmond residents often face specific challenges when dealing with felony charges, such as navigating the complexities of the Virginia legal system and understanding the severe penalties associated with different classes of felonies. Mr. Galanides is well-versed in addressing these pain points, providing personalized defense strategies that consider the local context and legal nuances.

Being charged with a felony can be an overwhelming experience, especially with the potential for long-term consequences. Mr. Galanides leverages his extensive experience and local knowledge to offer robust defense solutions. Whether you're dealing with charges related to drug crimes, violent crimes, or white-collar offenses, The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. can guide you each step of the way.

For those in Richmond and the surrounding Central Virginia area, having a dedicated and knowledgeable felony defense attorney can make all the difference. Contact The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. today to discuss your case and learn how Mr. Galanides can assist you in navigating the local legal system effectively.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the penalties for a Class 6 felony in Virginia?

In Virginia, a Class 6 felony is considered the least severe classification of felonies. If convicted, an individual faces a penalty of one to five years in prison and may be fined up to $2,500. These felonies are sometimes referred to as 'wobblers' because they can potentially be reduced to a misdemeanor under certain circumstances.

How does Attorney Paul C. Galanides' experience as a former prosecutor benefit my felony defense in Richmond?

Attorney Paul C. Galanides' prior experience as a prosecutor provides him with a unique perspective on how the state develops its case against individuals accused of felonies. His understanding of prosecutorial strategies allows him to craft tailored defenses for his clients, enhancing the chances of charge dismissals, reductions, or acquittals in Richmond and the Central Virginia area.

What should I consider when choosing a felony defense attorney in Richmond, Virginia?

When selecting a felony defense attorney in Richmond, it's crucial to consider their experience, knowledge of local legal systems, and track record. Attorney Paul C. Galanides brings over 27 years of experience, including insights as a former prosecutor, to provide robust defense strategies. His familiarity with judges and prosecutors in the area, coupled with a history of successful outcomes, makes him a compelling choice for those facing felony charges.

Can the Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. assist with appeals for felony convictions in Virginia?

Yes, the Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. is equipped to represent clients at every level of the criminal justice system, including filing direct appeals. With extensive experience in handling serious felony cases, including Class 1 felonies, the firm is committed to arguing for justice and working towards overturning wrongful convictions.