Violent Crime Attorney in Hampton
Serious Charges Call For Steady Legal Help—Start with a Free Case Review
Being arrested or investigated for a violent offense in Hampton can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be worried about jail, your job, and your family, and you may not know what will happen when you walk into court. In this moment, you need clear information and reliable guidance from a firm that understands violent crime defense in Hampton and the local courts.
At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we defend people accused of serious crimes, including violent offenses, in Hampton and across Hampton Roads. We work to protect your rights at every stage, from the first appearance through potential trial, and we take the time to explain what the charges and the evidence truly mean for you.
Our firm is led by Attorney Scott Ehrenworth, a former prosecutor with decades of criminal courtroom experience. His background gives us insight into how the Commonwealth builds and presents violent crime cases, and we use that perspective to plan defense strategies tailored to each client’s situation.
Your freedom is worth fighting for. Reach out to a Hampton violent crime lawyer with over 25 years of experience. Ehrenworth Law, PLLC offers a free case review and is available 24/7 to handle your violent crimes defense. Call (757) 663-4477 or visit our contact form today.
Violent Crime Charges We Handle in Hampton
Violent crime allegations in Virginia cover a wide range of conduct and potential penalties. Some charges are misdemeanors, while others are serious felonies that can carry years or even decades in prison. The specific consequences depend on the statute, the facts alleged, the presence of any injuries, and your prior record, if any.
Cases involving violence in Hampton are typically prosecuted by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and may be heard in Hampton General District Court, Hampton Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, or Hampton Circuit Court, depending on the nature of the charge. Early representation is important because decisions made in the first weeks, such as statements given to police or waiving certain hearings, can affect the path of the case.
We commonly represent clients facing accusations such as:
- Assault and battery, including felony assault based on serious injury or use of a weapon
- Domestic assault and related claims of violating protective orders
- Robbery and attempted robbery involving alleged force or threats
- Burglaries that involve claims of violence or entry into an occupied dwelling
- Malicious wounding and unlawful wounding
- Certain weapons-related offenses tied to alleged acts of violence
No two violent crime cases are alike. The details of what happened, the relationships between the people involved, physical evidence, statements, and any video or digital records all matter. As a violent crime lawyer in Hampton, we work to understand your side of the story, review the Commonwealth’s evidence, and identify where the case may be challenged or narrowed.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Convictions in Virginia
Virginia is notoriously "tough on crime," and violent offenses carry life-altering penalties.
Prison Sentences
- Class 1 Felony: Life in prison.
- Class 2 Felony: 20 years to life.
- Class 3 Felony: 5 to 20 years.
- Class 6 Felony: 1 to 5 years (or up to 12 months in jail).
Collateral Consequences
A conviction for a violent crime creates a permanent "violent felon" status:
- Mandatory Minimums: Many violent crimes involving firearms carry mandatory minimum sentences that a judge cannot reduce.
- No Parole: Virginia abolished parole for most offenses committed after 1995. You will serve at least 85% of your sentence.
- Loss of Civil Rights: You will permanently lose your right to vote and your Second Amendment right to possess a firearm.
- Employment Exclusion: A violent felony record will disqualify you from almost all professional licenses and many service-industry jobs.
Why Choose Our Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer in Hampton
When you are facing an accusation of violence, you cannot afford guesswork about your lawyer’s experience or commitment. At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we bring decades of criminal defense and litigation work in Hampton Roads courts, including cases involving serious felonies that carry significant prison time. We understand how quickly these cases move and how important early decisions can be.
Before founding our firm, Attorney Scott Ehrenworth served as a prosecutor. This experience helps us anticipate how the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Hampton might evaluate evidence, charge a case, and approach negotiations or trial. We draw on that knowledge when we review discovery, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory, and advise you on realistic options.
Attorney Ehrenworth holds a Superb Avvo Rating, which reflects his standing in the legal community and a record of dependable advocacy for clients. Our firm’s practice is built on trust, steady communication, and respect. We know that every person who walks through our door has a lot at stake, and we work to ensure you understand what is happening in your case and why each decision matters.
Facing violent crime charges? Benefit from the perspective of a former prosecutor. Ehrenworth Law, PLLC provides a free case review and dedicated advocacy when you need it most. Call (757) 663-4477 or contact us online—we are available 24/7 to stand by your side.
What to Do After An Arrest In Hampton
An arrest for a violent offense can feel sudden and overwhelming. You may be taken to a local jail, brought before a magistrate for bond, and scheduled for an appearance in Hampton General District Court or Hampton Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court with little time to prepare. In this setting, the choices you make in the first hours and days can have long-lasting effects.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is usually safer to exercise those rights than to try to talk your way out of the situation. Speaking with law enforcement, the alleged victim, or potential witnesses without legal advice can create statements that the prosecution may later use against you. Contacting a violent crime defense lawyer in Hampton early gives you a chance to understand the process before making key decisions.
Some immediate steps that can help protect you include:
- Avoid discussing the facts of the case with police or anyone else until you have legal counsel.
- Do not contact the alleged victim, especially if there is any protective order or bond condition in place.
- Save any potential evidence, such as messages, call logs, or photos, and avoid deleting anything that might become important.
- Write down your recollection of events while details are still fresh, including names of possible witnesses.
- Reach out to Ehrenworth Law, PLLC as soon as you can so we can review the charges, explain upcoming court dates, and help you prepare for bond hearings or first appearances.
We understand how stressful it is to be accused of a violent crime in Hampton. Our firm works to give you a clear picture of the road ahead, including what to expect at each court setting and how your choices may influence the outcome.
Our Approach To Violent Crime Defense
Violent crime cases carry high stakes and often involve complex evidence. Our approach begins with a detailed review of charging documents, police reports, surveillance or body camera footage, and witness statements. We aim to understand both the Commonwealth’s perspective and your account of events to build a clear picture of the case and identify key issues that could affect the outcome.
Attorney Ehrenworth’s experience as a former prosecutor provides unique insight into violent crime cases. He knows how files are prepared, what evidence the Commonwealth emphasizes, and where weaknesses often exist. This allows us to identify potential problems, including questionable identifications, conflicting statements, self-defense claims, or constitutional issues with searches and seizures.
Defense strategies are tailored to each case. Some focus on establishing self-defense or defense of others, while others challenge proof of identity, intent, or injury severity. In certain situations, negotiating to reduce or amend charges may be the best option. Throughout, we keep you informed, review discovery in plain language, and explain potential outcomes so you can make confident decisions about your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I go to prison for my violent charge?
Prison is a possibility in many violent crime cases, but the risk depends on the specific charge, your record, and the facts. We review statutes, sentencing ranges, and any mandatory minimums with you so you understand what is realistically at stake in Hampton courts.
How soon should I call a lawyer after arrest?
It is generally best to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an arrest. Early advice can help you avoid harmful statements, prepare for bond hearings, and understand your first court dates. We work to be available quickly, including offering after-hours appointments when possible.
How does your former prosecutor background help my case?
Attorney Scott Ehrenworth’s former prosecutor experience helps us see your case from both sides. He understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney may evaluate evidence, what issues might concern them, and how cases typically move toward trial or negotiation in Hampton. We use that insight when planning your defense.
Will our conversations about my case stay private?
Conversations between you and our attorney are generally protected by attorney-client confidentiality. This means you can speak openly with us about what happened. We encourage honest communication so we can give you advice about your violent crime case and possible strategies.
What will working with your firm look like day to day?
You can expect clear explanations, regular updates, and opportunities to ask questions. We review evidence with you, prepare you for court appearances in Hampton, and talk through choices such as plea discussions or trial. Our goal is to make a complex process more manageable and to support you throughout the case.
Take the Next Step—Call Our Violent Crime Attorneys in Hampton
When you contact Ehrenworth Law, PLLC about a violent crime charge, we start with a confidential consultation. During this meeting, we listen to your concerns, gather key details about the accusations, and review any available documents. It’s also an opportunity for you to understand our approach, ask questions, and get a clear picture of the process ahead in Hampton or other courts.
If you move forward, we outline the next steps, including confirming court dates, reviewing evidence in depth, and addressing urgent matters like bond conditions or protective orders. Clear communication is central to our process, ensuring you know what we are working on, what information we need from you, and how each step impacts your case.
To discuss your case confidentially with our team, call (757) 663-4477 or reach out online now.
