Criminal Defense

The Richmond firm of Marks & Harrison was founded in 1911 to provide aggressive and effective representation for injured people in communities throughout Virginia. After nearly 100 years of service in the Commonwealth's courtrooms, we have a depth of experience that few law firms can offer. Our focus has steadfastly remained on helping personal injury victims, but our clients occasionally ask for help with traffic offenses and criminal matters. We're pleased to announce that criminal defense attorney Dean C. Marcus is available to offer a full range of these legal services.

Mr. Marcus has an impressive record in helping those charged with a criminal offense. Since 2002, he has defended clients in matters ranging from General District Court traffic offenses, including speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence, to Circuit Court jury trials on serious charges of rape, murder, robbery, home invasion and abduction.

If you find yourself facing criminal troubles, you can take comfort in the knowledge that Mr. Marcus is at your side, defending your rights and your reputation. From arrest through appeal, he has the necessary experience and expertise at every step of the criminal process. If he can help with your criminal matter, contact Marks & Harrison today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202 or by submitting a confidential online Case Evaluation.

Widely versed in criminal law, Mr. Marcus has an extensive background in these areas:

Drunk Driving and Other Traffic Offenses

Whether it's called driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), impaired driving is a serious criminal offense. In Virginia, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DUI / DWI if his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) is above 0.08. Drivers can also be stopped and cited for impaired driving when under the influence of drugs.

Individuals convicted of DUI / DWI face possible jail time, a suspension of their driver’s license, fines and higher insurance premiums. Thus, if you have been accused of DUI / DWI, it is important to work with experienced legal counsel to defend yourself and protect your rights. Mr. Marcus can put his expertise to work for you by evaluating the circumstances surrounding your traffic stop to determine if proper procedures were followed. The laws governing DUI / DWI are complex and change constantly. Nevertheless, you can trust that Mr. Marcus stays informed of the latest developments.

Mr. Marcus is also experienced in handling other traffic offenses, including speeding, driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving without insurance and reckless driving.

Drug / Controlled Substance Offenses

Mr. Marcus is skilled in defending many kinds of drug cases, including charges of:

• Possession
• Distribution
• Trafficking / Possession with intent to distribute
• Cultivation
• Manufacturing

While drug charges may seem insignificant at first, especially those involving small amounts of an illegal drug, they can have long-lasting and far-reaching consequences. You'll face penalties such as imprisonment, property forfeiture and court-ordered drug treatment counseling. A drug conviction can also have a significant negative impact on your educational choices and your career. The doors of opportunity and advancement may close forever to people with drug records.

Mr. Marcus understands the seriousness of drug charges and works zealously to have them reduced or dismissed. Whether the charges involve cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, or illegally obtained prescription drugs, he can help you deal with your legal situation.

Juvenile Crimes

Unfortunately, some of the poor and impulsive choices made by young adults can have lasting legal ramifications. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, it is critical to use an attorney with experience in handing juvenile matters. In his extensive practice before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, Mr. Marcus has dealt with many of the common charges faced by children and teens, including underage drinking, drug use, theft, vandalism and improper use of a motor vehicle.

The laws regarding juvenile crimes are complex. If your son or daughter has been accused of criminal conduct, those charges are handled differently than charges filed against an adult. Typically, cases involving children under the age of 18 are referred to Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. This has a significant impact on both prosecution and sentencing. Furthermore, verdicts adjudicated against minors may become part of their permanent record. This factor alone can have a monumental impact on your son or daughter’s future, from college applications to employment opportunities. Mr. Marcus’s zealous legal representation can make all the difference in keeping your child's record clean.

Felonies

Mr. Marcus’ is experienced in defending both felonies and misdemeanors. Generally, a crime punishable by imprisonment of more than one year is considered a felony. People convicted of felonies are sentenced to state or federal prison as opposed to a municipal or county jail.

In Virginia, felonies are divided into six different classes. No matter which felony class you face, Mr. Marcus can help you. He realizes that the stakes are high, and he has helped countless people get their lives back on track. Mr. Marcus is a skilled attorney and has defended people charged with serious felonies including, rape, murder, robbery, home invasion and abduction.

Misdemeanors

Mr. Marcus understands that even a misdemeanor conviction can adversely affect your family, your finances and your future, impeding your ability to obtain a job, a loan or a professional license. It is common knowledge that many employers perform background checks and will not hire an applicant with a criminal background.

There are four classes of misdemeanor offenses in Virginia. Class 3 and Class 4 misdemeanors are punishable with fines, while Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors carry a potential one-year or six-month jail sentence, respectively. Thus, even for seemingly minor offenses such as shoplifting, trespassing or disorderly conduct, it is essential to secure the kind of excellent legal representation offered by Mr. Marcus.

Expungement

It is an unfortunate fact of life that some Virginia residents are arrested by mistake only to later have the charges dropped or be found not guilty. A further travesty is that the arrest and the court's action may be permanently placed on the accused’s criminal record and remain open to public inspection. In such situations, you may be able to pursue a legal remedy called “expungement” to remove your criminal record from public view.

With his years of experience in the criminal justice system, Mr. Marcus can help you clear your name. He understands that the process of expungement, as authorized in Virginia Code § 19.2-392, is meant to help individuals who might otherwise be blocked from employment, education and credit opportunities. Allow his expertise to work for you today so that you do not find yourself in a future bind with potential employers, landlords, loan officers, mortgage lenders or educational institutions.

Criminal Appeals

Mr. Marcus has extensive experience defending the rights of people arrested and accused of criminal offenses at every stage of the case. He is a skilled negotiator who knows how to plea bargain for his clients. Of course, he is highly experienced in taking cases to trial and in petitioning, briefing and arguing before the Virginia Court of Appeals or the Virginia Supreme Court. If your case progresses through the criminal appellate system, Mr. Marcus will be at your side every step of the way.

Protecting Your Rights

If you are under investigation for a crime or have had charges filed against you, you are facing a legal battle that could forever change the course of your life. Talking with an attorney as soon as possible is the only way to ensure that you have the best defense and the broadest range of legal options. Protect your rights and your record today. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.

Call Marks & Harrison toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online or send us an email at lawyers@marksandharrison.com.

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