Criminal Offenses

Criminal Offenses

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TATE BYWATER handles all degrees of criminal charges in Virginia. Criminal offenses can run the range from misdemeanors, punishable by fines, jail, and probation, to serious felonies punishable by up to life in prison. Even misdemeanor offenses can have lasting and permanent consequences. Here are some of the broad categories of criminal offenses:

  • Alcohol Crimes
  • Property Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Drug Crimes

Alcohol Crimes

Every state in the country regulates the use of alcohol. Virginia is no exception and there are numerous alcohol related criminal charges including:

Property Crimes

The criminal justice system has many crimes associated with protecting people’s property rights, both their real and personal property. Here are some of the more common property crimes:

Theft Crimes

More specific to personal property, Virginia has various criminal laws against theft, including:

  • Petit Larceny – property worth less than $1,000 (Va. Code §18.2-96)
  • Shoplifting
  • Concealing Merchandise
  • Grand Larceny
  • Embezzlement (Va. Code §18.2-111)
  • Theft by False Pretense
  • Credit Card Theft
  • Credit Card Fraud
  • Credit Card Forgery
  • Receiving Stolen Property

Violent Crimes

Beyond crimes against property, Virginia has multiple laws related to crimes against people, often referred to as violent crimes. Among violent crimes are:

  • Assault
  • Domestic Assault
  • Assault of a Police Officer
  • Malicious Wounding
  • Robbery

Weapons Offenses

There are multiple crimes in Virginia that relate to the possession of weapons. These laws regulate by type of weapon, where the weapon may be possessed, and charges related to a person’s status (i.e. felony possession or possession by an undocumented immigrant). Here are some common weapons charges:

  • Possession of a concealed weapon
  • Brandishing a firearm
  • Felon in possession
  • Possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm while in the possession of drugs

Drug Offenses

Virginia law enforcement are eagerly on the front lines of the drug war. Drug prosecutions account for a significant percentage of criminal prosecutions. Here are some common drug offenses:

  • Marijuana Offenses (possession above legal limits, distribution, and possession by persons under 21)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
  • Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Criminal Charges

Both misdemeanor and felony convictions carry lifelong consequences. Misdemeanors can result in a jail sentence, fines up to $2,500, probation, and lasting collateral consequences related to employment, education and immigration. Felony convictions carry the potential of years (or life) in prison and also carry restrictions on other civil rights including the right to vote or possess a firearm. Virginia does not expunge convictions, but since July 1, 2026, many records can be sealed. Certain misdemeanor convictions and marijuana possession records are sealed automatically, and many other misdemeanor and lower-level felony convictions can be sealed by petition after a waiting period. Many offenses, including violent felonies, remain ineligible.

TATE BYWATER represents individuals charged with criminal charges. Our firm has well over 100 years of combined legal experience dealing with criminal charges. Contact us today to receive a free consultation about your criminal case and to find out whether your record qualifies for sealing.