Criminal Defense

Facing Criminal Charges in Virginia?

Your Freedom Requires a Strategic Defense

Being charged with a crime is a stressful and often life-changing experience. When you’re facing the possibility of incarceration, a permanent record, and other serious consequences, who you choose to stand beside you while facing a criminal allegation is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Having a skilled and experienced attorney makes all the difference.

Meet Matt Ballard: Experience Matters

Having served over six years as a state prosecutor before switching over to private practice, focused on criminal defense, Matt Ballard has spent over twenty years building a resume that lends itself well to helping clients make the big decisions that come with navigating criminal charges.

Understanding Virginia Criminal Offenses

Criminal offenses in Virginia range from misdemeanors like Trespass, Driving Under the Influence, Obstruction of Justice, Domestic Assault and Battery, and Concealed Weapon to felonies like Possession with Intent to Distribute, most Firearm charges, and most violent crimes or sex offenses. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail, a $2500 fine, and the possibility of other delineated punishments. Felony punishments range from suspendible jail/prison sentences, and sentences with mandatory periods of incarceration, including mandatory life imprisonment. In addition to incarceration, felony convictions can come with large fines and the stigma of a felony conviction. There are hundreds of Virginia code sections, and at Ballard Law, we have experience in virtually every area of criminal law.

Answering the Critical Questions

• What are the elements that the Commonwealth must prove?
• Is it likely that the Commonwealth can prove a particular crime beyond a reasonable doubt?
• What defenses are there to certain criminal allegations?
• Was the conduct of law enforcement officers Constitutionally permissible in my case?

Why Choose Ballard Law Firm?

At Ballard Law Firm, we'll answer your questions, we'll explain the process, and we'll place special emphasis on the negotiations and trial work incident to result-driven criminal defense work. We take our duty to our clients personally and work hard to get you the best possible result.