Richmond Felony Defense Attorney: Your Future Is Our Priority
If you have been charged with a felony, or believe you will be, you are likely concerned, as well you should be. The punishments for these crimes are serious, and simply being charged can impact you and your family forever.
Experienced legal help is a must if you are in this position.
Criminal law is complex; representation and guidance from a felony lawyer experienced in handling cases like this is critical.
Why Choose Cody Villalon
A Commitment to a Vigorous Defense
The circumstances surrounding felony charges are unique in each and every case. TThe knowledgeable Richmond theft defense lawyer understands this and is committed to leveraging all their experiences and resources in support of their clients.
Cody Villalon is well-known as an experienced felony attorney. His unfailing commitment to providing personal attention to his clients distinguishes him from other Richmond lawyers. When you engage him, you will benefit from his:
- More than a decade of experience defending individuals in Richmond and the surrounding communities.
- Reputation for success. He is well-known for protecting the future of those he defends.
- Significant knowledge. Cody knows the local courts, including the Richmond prosecutors and how the system works. He uses this information in building your case.
- Tailored approach. Each case is unique and requires specific attention to detail. Cody’s firm has a reputation for providing its clients the personalized attention they need and deserve.
- Free consultations. Knowing what to expect is important in selecting a defense attorney. By providing a no-cost initial meeting, Cody offers his potential clients the opportunity to get to know both him and his team and to fully understand how he can best serve them.
When you engage the firm, you are hiring Richmond criminal defense lawyer Cody Villalon to personally defend you. He will handle your case himself and ensure you receive the very best defense possible.
How We Can Help You
We Handle Everything
Let’s face it. A felony charge in Virginia is certainly a reason to worry. The entirety of your future may be in jeopardy. Even Class 5 and 6 felonies can have a considerable impact on your life.
If you are in this position, you need experienced legal representation. The attorney you hire to represent you should not only have an in-depth knowledge of the law and experience handling cases like yours — they should also be fully committed to your well-being.
Cody Villalon has earned a reputation in Richmond for his approach to felony charges. Years ago, he dedicated his practice to criminal defense. He appreciates the laws of our country and believes that its well-being as a whole depends upon everyone having access to quality defense services when needed. He handles every case he accepts personally; his clients know he will be working with them.
Personal service and attention to detail are hallmarks of the service he provides.
You can rest assured that when you engage Cody Villalon, he and his team will handle the entirety of your case. We will manage everything from representation at your arraignment to any necessary appeals.
In all instances of felony charges, time is a valuable asset. If you have been charged or believe you will be, reach out to us immediately at 804-316-0765. We are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Cody Villalon is ready to go to work on your defense right away. He appreciates that time is a commodity that should not be wasted. Building your felony defense requires considerable knowledge and experience. Contact him today — this is the first step you can take in protecting your future.
Felonies in Richmond, Virginia, Are Serious Crimes
Understanding How Felonies Are Classified
Felony law is particularly complex, a fact proven by the manner in which they are classified. The severity of the crime determines its class, and Virginia has six classes of felonies:
- Class 1: These are the most serious felonies and include violent crimes such as first degree murder.
- Class 2: Also violent, crimes categorized as Class 2 felonies include armed burglary, armed bank robbery, and an assault on another person causing serious injury. If accused of such crimes, consulting a robbery defense lawyer is crucial .
- Class 3: This category of crimes is not always violent in nature but often is and may put another individual or their belongings in danger. Class 3 felonies include, but are not limited to, malicious wounding and arson.
- Class 4: This category encompasses a broad range of crimes including, but not limited to, certain forms of embezzlement where an embezzlement defense lawyer might be sought, and gang activity involving minors.
- Class 5: Crimes classified as Class 5 are a wide range of potential crimes. One of the most common in this class is the simple possession of schedule I/II drugs. If faced with such charges, consulting with a Richmond drug possession lawyer can be beneficial.
- Class 6: Crimes included in this lowest level are recognized as the least serious of felony crimes in Virginia although some are actually violent and still carry the potential of a significant prison sentence.
While clearly Class 1 and 2 felonies are significantly more serious than the others, being charged with a felony, regardless of the class, is cause for concern and an issue that requires the assistance of an experienced felony lawyer. Don’t be under the mistaken belief that because you are charged with a Class 1 offense you can handle the legal process yourself. This would be a mistake.
Felony Sentences Are Life Changing
Because felonies are considered major crimes, the penalties for them can be severe. The harshest are reserved for Class 1 crimes, but even those associated with less serious behavior can have a considerable impact on your life. Consider them:
- Class 1: Taking the life of another is one of the most serious crimes for which one can be convicted. Those found guilty of this in Virginia can face life in prison and fines up to $100,000.
- Class 2: The sentence for these violent crimes can be anywhere from 20 years to life in prison. Additionally, a monetary fine not to exceed $100,000 may also be assessed.
- Class 3: If convicted of a crime in this class, one can be sentenced from five to 20 years in prison. Once again, a significant monetary fine (of up to $100,000) is possible.
- Class 4: These slightly less serious crimes result in penalties of two to ten years in prison. The monetary fines remain the same, up to $100,000.
- Class 5: When convicted of a class 5 felony, the punishment can range from 1-10 years in prison.
- Class 6: Although considered the least serious of Virginia felonies, class 6 felonies still carry a maximum 5-year prison sentence.
It is important to recognize that the impact of being convicted of a felony goes far beyond the sentences listed above. Even being charged with a felony can affect your life and that of your family. Obtaining an education, getting a job, and even securing appropriate housing can all be negatively impacted by a felony charge. Additionally, your voting rights can be jeopardized, as can your ability to serve on a jury. Finally, any individual convicted of a felony would be prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Clearly, felony charges threaten your future. Engaging a seasoned Richmond felony attorney should be your first course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Richmond Felony Lawyer Addresses Your Pressing Concerns
If you have been charged with a felony, it is not surprising that you have a host of questions. The legal process is complicated, and its result can help determine your future. Below, Cody Villalon has shared some of the questions he is most often asked regarding felony charges in Richmond, along with his answers to them.
Felonies are considered more serious crimes; thus, the punishments tend to be more severe. In the state, misdemeanor sentences range from fines to up to 12 months in a local jail. Felony prison sentences can be punished by a year or more in prison.
No, many felonies do not involve physical violence, but they are still serious. Drug crimes, identity theft, and embezzlement are all non-violent felonies. Even if violence was not involved, you would still need a felony lawyer.
In most cases, your attorney will not be able to expunge felony convictions in Virginia. That said, if your Richmond felony lawyers are able to get your charges dismissed, if the state withdraws the charges or if you are found not guilty, it may be possible.
Unlike most states, Virginia does not have a statute of limitations for felonies, which it considers serious crimes. The state can bring charges at any point in time in the future. Thus, engaging a felony attorney is important.
Felony convictions can affect a host of things, including your ability to vote, own a firearm, and even hold certain jobs. Access to specific housing (like homes near a school or playground) may also be prohibited. Engaging a qualified Richmond based felony attorney is critical to guiding you through the legal process and helping to mitigate some of the issues.
Of course, you probably have even more questions than these. Once we know more about your specific situation, we can provide detailed responses to your concerns. Cody Villalon, a criminal defense lawyer in Richmond, provides free consultations. Contact him at 804.316.0765 to schedule yours today.
Cody Villalon, Attorney at Law, Is Ready to Defend You
Looking Toward Tomorrow
When Cody Villalon handles your case, he does so with an eye toward the future. He is well aware that the decisions he makes can impact you for a lifetime. Thus, he works tirelessly to build your case.
You can count on Cody and his team to provide you with the very best criminal defense services. The firm manages its caseload carefully, so they are able to give you all the time and attention you need. The combination of quality defense and personalized, responsive service sets us apart from other Richmond felony lawyers.
Cody’s commitment to protecting the rights of individuals in Virginia is unequaled. Rest assured, you are our priority, and we act accordingly.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with a felony or believe you will be, contacting a seasoned Richmond felony lawyer should be your first course of action. Time is critical, and we will leverage it in our defense of you. Our team appreciates the stress of this situation. We will communicate sympathetically yet defend you aggressively.
Cody Villalon founded Cody Villalon Attorney at Law to provide the citizens of Richmond and the surrounding area with the vital legal services they need with proven defense success. His unwavering dedication to his clients makes him the criminal defense attorney of choice in Richmond. He leverages his negotiation and litigation skills on behalf of his clients every single day.
This time in your life is particularly challenging, and we appreciate the opportunity to share just how powerfully we can support you. We take your trust in us seriously. Contact us today at 804.316.0765 for a confidential, no-cost consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Client Testimonial
” Cody was very professional and helpful. He represented a friend of mine, we was very pleased with the outcome and felt that he went above and beyond to get us the best possible verdict. We will definitely use him again if need be and he comes highly recommended. Great job Cody!! Thanks again. – Natasha Murray (Google Review)
DEFENSE ATTORNEY CODY VILLALON
Cody Villalon is a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, VA representing clients accused of violent offenses and DUIs, and he specializes in serious criminal charges. He possesses more than 10 years of legal experience, has defended more than 1,000 cases, and has spent more than 5,000 hours in court. He is highly professional and well-respected by prosecutors and judges. [ Attorney Bio ]
