Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorneys

Everyday our law firm receives countless criminal defense consultations from those who have either been charged with a crime or a serious traffic offense. One of the most common questions we hear, and it’s one that seems to take precedence over all the other questions, is “how much is the attorney fee”. In all retrospect, the price of your attorney should not be the deciding factor on what firm you choose. Our criminal and traffic retainer fees may be slightly higher than some of the other law firms, however you are ultimately receiving the sentencing you pay for. We may charge a little bit more, but that’s because we guarantee you will have a more favorable outcome than with some of these cheaper firms. A couple hundred dollars should not stand between you and your criminal record. If you or someone you know has received a criminal charge, call our top rated defense attorneys today.

Can You get Criminal Charges Expunged in Virginia?

One of the most common questions we receive at Portner & Shure is whether someone can have their criminal charges expunged from their record. People are often very worried about criminal charges or serious traffic offenses appearing on a background check for work or school.

The laws in Virginia pertaining to expungement are largely the same as in most other states. You are entitled to have your charges expunged when any of the following occurs: acquittal, nolle prosequi, dismissal, absolute pardon, or an individual's name used in error. If your charges fall into one of these categories, you are eligible to have your charges removed from the public databases and sealed. In other words, these charges would no longer appear on a background check.

If you fall into one of the categories above and are eligible for expungement, you ahve to fill out a form that can be found here (http://www.courts.state.va.us/forms/circuit/civil.html) and file it in court. There will be a filing fee. Once it is filed, a Judge will then review your case and grant or deny your expungement.

Unfortunately, if you are found guilty, you cannot have your conviction expunged.

If you have been charged with a crime or traffic offense in Virginia, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (703) 916-1227.