Criminal Defense Dedicated. Experienced. Approachable. 

Criminal Defense Attorney in VA & DC

Former Federal Prosecutor Defending the Accused

If you have been charged with a crime in Washington, D.C. & Virginia, don’t make the costly mistake of navigating the criminal justice process by yourself, as it can be intimidating and confusing. It doesn’t help that the system tends to perceive defendants as guilty, rather than innocent until proven guilty. Thus, when your future and freedom are on the line, you cannot take the risk of tackling your criminal charges without the help of an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney.

At S.L. England, PLLC, our criminal defense lawyer fiercely defends clients throughout the District of Columbia and Virginia, no matter how serious their charges are. A former federal prosecutor, our top-rated trial attorney obtains rare yet invaluable insights into how the other side of the courtroom prepares their attacks against defendants. With this knowledge, we can formulate effective defense strategies that counteract the prosecution’s anticipated attacks to maximize your chances of getting reduced or dismissed charges.

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, count on our criminal defense lawyer at S.L. England, PLLC, to go above and beyond to protect your best interests. Contact us online or at (202) 759-2333 to get started!

Cases We Handle

Our criminal defense attorney in Washington, D.C. & Virginia represents clients facing a variety of accusations. While we primarily focus on DUI/DWI defense, our skills and experience span a broad range of charge including, but not limited to:

What Happens If I am Convicted of a Crime?

Although we diligently fight for the best-case scenario in every case we handle, it is important for our clients to understand the worst-case scenarios in their individual cases. Misdemeanor and felony crimes carry different penalties depending on the defendant’s criminal record, nature of the reported crime, and presence of aggravating or mitigating factors. A judge or jury will consider these elements when determining a convicted person’s sentence.

For your understanding, mitigating factors lessen the severity or culpability of a criminal act, while aggravating factors increase the severity or culpability of a criminal act. While each state formally recognizes and defines different mitigating and aggravating factors relative to a crime, common examples of each include:

Mitigating factors

  • The potential for the defendant to reform
  • Lack of prior criminal record
  • Mental retardation
  • Addiction to illegal substances or alcohol
  • Good reputation in the community
  • Abusive or difficult personal/family history

Aggravating factors

  • Recidivism
  • Prior criminal record
  • Use or involvement of a weapon
  • Involvement of multiple victims
  • Commission of a crime in front of a child
  • Serious harm or death caused to the victim

Although aggravating and mitigating factors play a significant role in determining the sentence for a criminal conviction, a crime must be identified as a misdemeanor or felony first and foremost. The difference between the two can make or break your case, impacting your life and liberties in unimaginable ways. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that misdemeanors impose a lower jail sentence and fine than felonies, which carry decades and even life in prison in addition to thousands of dollars in fines.

This holds true for criminal cases in both Washington, D.C. & Virginia. As such, our criminal defense attorney will explore every viable legal option in your case and build an effective, realistic plan of action that caters to your personal circumstances. You can count on us to exhaust the resources and strategies needed to help you resolve your challenging time.

Have You Been Charged with a Crime in Virginia or DC?

Tough charges require tough representation, which is why you can count on us to provide aggressive defense and argue the strongest case on your behalf. At S.L. England, PLLC, our criminal defense attorney in DC and Virginia is an experienced litigator with courtroom experience and knows the intricacies of Washington, D.C. & Virginia criminal laws. Out of the hundreds of cases we’ve handled over the years, we’ve achieved countless not-guilty verdicts. Allow us to fight for the same outcome on your behalf,

To begin your defense in Washington, D.C. & Virginia, call us today at (202) 759-2333 or contact us online. We offer free case reviews, same-day appointments, and availability after hours and on weekends.

The Firm You Want

See What Makes Us Different
  • Personal Representation

    Many law firms use students, interns, and junior attorneys to interact with clients and do most of the work on a case. We believe in direct representation.

  • Experienced Trial Attorney

    95% of attorneys are not trial attorneys. Most have never stepped foot in court to make oral argument before a judge. It makes a big difference: good lawyers must have the ability to argue your case in open court.

  • Diverse Background

    With the experience of numerous federal and international investigations, a background being a former prosecutor, and years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety civil actions, S.L. England, PLLC is the firm you want.

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