Felony Attorney in Norfolk

Virginia Serious Felony Charges Demand Serious Defense

Being charged with a felony in Virginia can change everything. Prison time, a permanent record, and damage to your reputation and career are all on the line. If you are facing serious criminal allegations in Norfolk or anywhere in Virginia, our team of felony lawyers at Protogyrou Law is here to protect your rights and guide you through the criminal court system.

Since 1998, we have focused on defending people accused of serious crimes throughout Virginia from our office in Norfolk. Our felony defense attorneys bring more than 100 years of collective criminal defense experience in state and federal courts, and we work to use that background to help clients make informed choices when the stakes are highest.

Felony charges require aggressive defense. Speak with a results-driven felony attorney in Norfolk today. Call (757) 267-6611 or contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Facing a Felony Charge in Virginia: What Is At Stake

Felony charges in Virginia are different from misdemeanors because they carry the possibility of significant prison time and long-term consequences. Depending on the class of felony and the facts alleged, a conviction can lead to:

• Prison time
• Large fines
• Probation
• Strict supervision

Beyond the courtroom, a felony record can affect almost every part of daily life. Many employers run background checks, and certain convictions can cost you your current job or block future opportunities. In Norfolk and the surrounding region, people often work with military contractors, government agencies, or the shipping and maritime industries, and those roles may require security clearances or clean records. A felony can also affect housing applications, professional licenses, and, in some situations, immigration status.

The process itself can feel overwhelming. You may be arrested by a local agency, given paperwork you do not fully understand, and told to appear in a district court within days. Bond conditions might restrict where you can go or who you can contact. Family members are often trying to help while feeling shut out of the legal process. In this situation, having a felony attorney Norfolk clients can turn to for guidance and clear information is crucial so that decisions are not made out of fear or confusion.

Why Clients Trust Protogyrou Law With Serious Felony Cases

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need more than a name from a search result. You need a team that has been in serious criminal courtrooms and understands how high-stakes cases actually work. At Protogyrou Law, we have been defending clients charged with serious crimes across Virginia since 1998, and our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience to every felony matter we handle.

Over the decades, we have managed tens of thousands of criminal cases that span the full range of seriousness, from DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes and homicide. Our attorneys practice in courts across Virginia and have handled matters in federal court as well as in the U.S. Supreme Court. This breadth means we are familiar with complex legal issues, intricate evidentiary questions, and the realities of litigating serious charges under intense scrutiny.

Clients and colleagues have taken note of our work. Members of our team have been recognized in listings such as Super Lawyers and Virginia Business Legal Elite. Our practice has included high-profile cases reported in mainstream media, and we have been trusted by judges, law enforcement officers, public figures, self-insured corporations, and national insurance companies. People who understand the legal system choose to work with us when their own or their organization’s interests are at risk.

How Our Norfolk Felony Defense Lawyers Approach Your Case

A felony charge is serious, but it does not define the entire story. Our process is designed to bring clarity, preparation, and direction from the very beginning, so you understand what is happening and why each decision matters.

• Initial case review and client intake: Every felony case starts with listening. When you contact our firm, we review charging documents, police reports, and scheduled court dates, while also taking time to hear your account of events. This helps us identify details that may not appear in official paperwork and spot early legal or factual issues that could affect the defense.
• Focused investigation and preparation: Preparation is central to how we handle felony cases. We examine how evidence was collected, analyze statements and recordings, and review forensic or technical material when involved. When appropriate, we pursue motions that challenge searches, seizures, identifications, or other procedural issues, knowing that early legal pressure can influence how a case develops.
• Defense strategy tailored to your goals: Every client’s priorities are different. Some want to fight charges aggressively at trial, while others are focused on minimizing penalties or protecting careers, families, or military standing. As a felony defense attorney Norfolk clients rely on, we explain realistic options and help you decide when negotiation makes sense and when trial preparation is the better path.
• Ongoing communication and guidance: Felony cases can move slowly or escalate quickly. We keep communication consistent by explaining hearings in plain language, responding to questions, and updating you as the case progresses. Our role is to be a steady point of guidance while we work to protect your rights and future.

What To Do After a Felony Arrest in Norfolk

Consider the following actions as you move forward:

• Limit conversations about the case. It is usually wise not to discuss the details of your situation with law enforcement or anyone else until you have spoken with a lawyer.
• Keep all paperwork and court notices. Hold on to charging documents, bond paperwork, and any notices telling you when and where to appear in court.
• Write down what you remember. As soon as you are able, note locations, times, and names of people who may have information related to the incident.
• Follow bond conditions carefully. If the court grants bond, there may be rules about travel, contact with alleged victims, or drug and alcohol use
• Contact a felony defense lawyer. Reaching out to an attorney early gives more time to review the case, address bond concerns, and prepare for a preliminary hearing or grand jury.

Taking these steps does not solve the case on its own, but they create a better starting point. Our role is to step into that process, help you understand what is coming next, and begin building a defense tailored to your situation.

Felony Charges We Handle Across Virginia

Examples of felony charges we regularly address include:

• Violent offenses. Allegations such as robbery, malicious wounding, and homicide can bring lengthy prison exposure and intense public attention. These cases often involve complex factual disputes, forensic issues, and significant legal questions.
• Drug distribution and trafficking. Felony level drug cases may involve surveillance, search warrants, and questions about possession and intent. Sentencing often depends on substance type, quantity, and prior record, and we look closely at how evidence was obtained.
• Property and financial crimes. Serious theft, burglary, embezzlement, and other financial offenses can impact employment and reputations even beyond any sentence. These matters may require careful review of documents, digital records, and business practices.
• Weapons-related charges. Felony firearm allegations can arise on their own or in connection with other accusations. The law in this area is detailed, and outcomes may depend on prior convictions, specific statutes, and circumstances of possession or use.
• Serious driving offenses. Some driving-related charges, such as certain forms of hit and run or repeated offenses, can reach felony level and carry both criminal penalties and long-term license issues.

Every case involves individual facts, prior history, and personal goals. As experienced felony lawyers in Norfolk, our job is not only to know the legal framework but also to understand how the charge interacts with your life, work, and family. We then work to develop a plan that addresses both the courtroom and the broader consequences you may face.

Navigating Norfolk & Virginia Criminal Courts

Facing a felony charge often feels overwhelming because the process is unfamiliar. Knowing how cases usually move through Norfolk and Virginia courts can help you feel more prepared and less uncertain.

• Starting point for felony cases: Most state felony matters begin in Norfolk General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, depending on the charge. Early hearings address the bond and whether enough evidence exists to move the case forward. If probable cause is found or an indictment is issued, the case proceeds to Norfolk Circuit Court.
• What happens in Circuit Court: Circuit Court is where felony cases are fully litigated. This stage may include motions, negotiations, and trial preparation, with decisions that can strongly affect penalties and long-term consequences.
• Federal court involvement: Some cases move to the Eastern District of Virginia when federal law is involved. Federal cases follow different rules and timelines, often moving faster than state cases.

As a felony lawyer Norfolk clients rely on, we explain each step, prepare you for what is coming, and help you make informed decisions as your case progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can your attorneys help if my felony case is already in Norfolk Circuit Court?

Even when a case has moved to Norfolk Circuit Court, there is often meaningful work to be done. Our attorneys review the full file, including how the case reached Circuit Court and what evidence the Commonwealth intends to present. 

We look for legal issues that may support motions, evaluate whether further investigation could clarify disputed facts, and discuss with you how potential plea offers compare to the risks of trial. While no attorney can change what has already occurred in earlier courts, a felony defense lawyer in Norfolk can still help to prepare for upcoming hearings, refine strategy, and make sure your voice is heard when critical choices are made.

Will I have to go to trial on my felony charge?

Not every felony case goes to trial, although some do. Many matters are resolved through negotiated agreements that take into account the strength of the evidence, the applicable statutes, any prior record, and personal circumstances such as work and family responsibilities.

How much communication can I expect from your felony defense team?

We understand that clients in felony cases want clear and timely information about what is happening. Our goal is to respond to questions, return calls, and keep you updated about scheduled hearings and significant developments in your matter.

Have you handled high-profile or complex felony cases before?

Yes, our attorneys have handled high-profile and complex criminal cases that have been covered in mainstream media. We have also represented judges, law enforcement officers, public figures, and significant business interests in matters where the legal and personal stakes were substantial.

Can you represent me if my felony charges are in another Virginia county?

Yes, while our office is located in Norfolk, our criminal defense practice extends across Virginia. We handle felony matters in courts throughout the Commonwealth, in both state and federal systems, and are familiar with how procedures and local practices can differ from one jurisdiction to another.

Talk With Our Felony Defense Attorney About Your Case

Felony charges create real risks for your freedom, career, and family, and trying to face them without experienced guidance can make a difficult situation even harder. When you reach out to Protogyrou Law, you speak with a team that has devoted decades to serious criminal defense work across Virginia and understands how to navigate high-stakes cases in courtrooms in Norfolk and beyond.

To discuss your situation with a felony defense attorney in Norfolk, call (757) 267-6611 or contact us today.