Being accused of a serious crime is tremendously stressful. It will impact not only your reputation, but your family and your career as well. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial that you seek guidance from an experienced Richmond Serious Crimes And Felony Lawyer. Our attorneys at Brooks & Baez are seasoned in the area of criminal defense, working with clients both in Richmond and throughout Virginia to defend their rights and protect their future.
Our firm defends a wide range of felony and serious criminal charges, including:
Felony cases in Virginia are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, who has investigators, forensic labs and police reports on their side. A knowledgeable Richmond serious crimes lawyer levels that playing field by knowing how local prosecutors, judges and juries handle felony cases — and by spotting weaknesses in the evidence early.
Our team works with criminal defense cases large and small, but our experience prepares us to take on the most serious cases, including:
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Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be facing serious consequences. These include steep fines and life behind bars. We do what it takes to advocate for our clients and build the strongest possible defense. We do this because we firmly believe that everybody deserves a strong defense, and we particularly believe in helping clients throughout our community.
Virginia divides most felonies into six classes under Code of Virginia § 18.2-10. Class 1 is the most serious and Class 6 the least. Possible penalties are:
| Felony Class | Prison Sentence | Maximum Fine | Example Offenses |
| Class 1 | Life imprisonment | $100,000 | Aggravated (capital-level) murder |
| Class 2 | 20 years to life | $100,000 | Kidnapping for ransom, armed burglary, aggravated malicious wounding |
| Class 3 | 5 to 20 years | $100,000 | Malicious wounding, many burglaries |
| Class 4 | 2 to 10 years | $100,000 | Certain arson and embezzlement offenses |
| Class 5 | 1 to 10 years, or up to 12 months in jail | $2,500 | Involuntary manslaughter, extortion |
| Class 6 | 1 to 5 years, or up to 12 months in jail | $2,500 | Strangulation, third DUI in 10 years |
Some serious crimes are unclassified felonies with penalties set by their own statute — for example, second-degree murder (5 to 40 years), carjacking (15 years to life) and grand larceny (1 to 20 years). For Class 5 and Class 6 felonies, a judge or jury may impose a jail sentence of 12 months or less instead of prison, which is why skilled negotiation and sentencing advocacy can make a major difference. Virginia abolished the death penalty in 2021.
Most felony cases in the Richmond area follow these steps:
When you are facing a serious criminal charge, you need someone to tell your side of the story. Our Richmond criminal defense lawyers take the time to understand what happened, explain your options in plain language — in English or Spanish — and stand beside you at every hearing.
If you are arrested for a felony or learn that police want to question you, take these steps to protect yourself:
Brooks & Baez defends clients charged with violent crimes, drug distribution and trafficking, weapons offenses, sex crimes, domestic violence felonies, burglary, grand larceny, fraud, embezzlement and felony DUI. We represent clients in the City of Richmond and in Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and other Central Virginia courts, in English and Spanish.
Felony penalties in Virginia depend on the class of the offense under Va. Code § 18.2-10. They range from 1 to 5 years in prison for a Class 6 felony up to life imprisonment for a Class 1 felony, with fines of up to $100,000. For Class 5 and Class 6 felonies, a judge or jury may impose 12 months or less in jail instead. Some felonies also carry mandatory minimum sentences.
No. In Virginia, there is generally no statute of limitations for felonies, so the Commonwealth can bring felony charges at any time. Most misdemeanors, by contrast, must be prosecuted within one year under Va. Code § 19.2-8. Because an old allegation can still lead to charges, it is important to speak with a defense lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation.
Yes, in many cases. A felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor through plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, by challenging the evidence at a preliminary hearing, or when the facts do not support the felony element (such as the value of property in a grand larceny case). For Class 5 and Class 6 felonies, the court can also impose a jail sentence of 12 months or less.
A felony conviction in Virginia can cause you to lose the right to vote, serve on a jury and possess a firearm (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2), and it can create barriers to jobs, professional licenses, housing and student aid. Non-citizens may also face immigration consequences, including deportation. Voting and civil rights are currently restored by the Governor; Virginia voters are deciding a constitutional amendment on automatic restoration in the November 3, 2026 election.
Don’t let a criminal charge ruin your life. Our firm is here for you every step of the way. The legal system moves fast, which is why it is important to call our office in Richmond as soon as possible. You can reach us by calling 804-570-7473 or filling out our contact form. Se habla espanol.
Our team is comprised of Jesse Baez and Noel Brooks, two attorneys with decades of combined
experience handling legal matters for clients throughout the state of Virginia.
Whatever your legal issue, we will answer your questions and offer you peace of mind as we work to guide
you through the process to resolution.
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