Virginia Robbery, Abduction, and, Extortion Defense
Fairfax County and Northern Virginia Robery, Abduction, and Extortion Criminal Defense Attorneys and Lawyers
If you have been charged with robbery, abduction, or extortion in Fairfax County or Northern Virginia, not only are you facing a felony charge, but you are facing a very serious criminal charge with the possibility of significant incarceration.
If you have been arrested for robbery, abduction, or extortion, you need to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Given the seriousness of these crimes, anyone charged should consult with a lawyer that has previously handled such cases. The loss of freedom and other consequences from such a conviction can profound. Given what is at stake, you must be sure that any attorney you hire has the judgment, skill, and reputation to obtain the best possible resolution of the matter.
Manikas Law LLC will ensure that he charges against you are fully investigated and all evidence is obtained and marshaled in your favor. As a former prosecutor in the largest jurisdiction in Virginia, Kyle G. Manikas has handled many cases involving robbery, abduction, and extortion, including bank robbery cases. In these cases, witness accounts and other evidence that can aid in your defense must be obtained before such evidence is destroyed or lost. Our firm will perform a sound analysis of all evidence and provide essential trial strategies to present you with the best possible defense.
While there are many defense lawyers, there are only a handful of defense attorneys with the skills and experience to handle cases of this level. Who you hire could be one of the most important life decisions you make.
To discuss your case with Kyle G. Manikas, a former prosecutor and Fairfax County and Northern Virginia criminal defense lawyer that has handled many robbery, abduction, or extortion cases, including bank robbery cases, or to schedule a free consultation, contact our law office at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075, or contact us by e-mail.
Robbery & Carjacking
Robbery (Va. Code 18.2-58) is the taking, with the intent to deprive the owner permanently, of personal property, from his person or in his presence, against his will, by violence or intimidation. The violence or intimidation must be directed at the victim and must precede or occur at the same time as the taking. Robbery is punishable by a minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. If the robbery is accomplished by the use of a firearm, or an object that appears to be a firearm, a separate offense under Va. Code 18.2-53.1 occurs - use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. This offense is punishable by up to 5 years in jail, however there is a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years for a first conviction, and a mandatory minimum term of five years for a second or subsequent conviction. If the offense is a carjacking (Va. Code 18.2-58.1), the penalty is 15 years to life imprisonment.
Abduction
Abduction or kidnapping in Virginia can be either simple abduction (Va. Code 18.2-47) or aggravated abduction (Va. Code 18.2-48). Simple abduction occurs when one by force, intimidation, or deception seizes, takes, transports, detains another with the intent to deprive that person of their liberty. Simple abduction is a Class 5 felony punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a $2,500 fine.
However, if simple abduction is committed by the parent, the offense shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor in addition to being punishable as contempt of court. However, if the child abducted is removed from the Commonwealth or Virginia by the abducting parent, the crime is a Class 6 felony punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Alternatively, a parent that abducts a child can be charged under Va. Code 49.1. This provisions states that any person who knowingly withholds a child from either of a child's parents or other legal guardian in a clear and significant violation of a court order respecting the custody or visitation of such child, provided such child is withheld outside of the Commonwealth, is guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, if the child is not removed from Virginia, the offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor upon conviction of a first offense, a Class 2 misdemeanor upon a second conviction within 12 months, and a Class 1 misdemeanor upon a third conviction within 24 months.
Aggravated abduction, under Va. Code 18.2-48, provides that anyone who commits an abduction (i) with the intent to extort money or pecuniary benefit, (ii) of any person with intent to defile such person, or (iii) of any child under sixteen years of age for the purpose of prostitution, is guilty of a Class 2 felony. A class 2 felony is punishable by 20 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Extortion
Extortion of money, property or pecuniary benefit under Va. Code 18.2-59 occurs when a person who (i) threatens injury to the character, person, or property of another person, (ii) accuses him of any offense, (iii) threatens to report him as being illegally present in the United States, or (iv) knowingly destroys, conceals, removes, confiscates, withholds or threatens to withhold, or possesses any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document, of another person, and thereby extorts money, property, or pecuniary benefit or any note, bond, or other evidence of debt from him or any other person. This crime is a Class 5 felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine.
Contact An Experienced Fairfax County and Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for any form of robbery, abduction, or extortion, contact a former prosecutor and experienced criminal defense lawyer at Manikas Law LLC. Kyle G. Manikas has substantial experience in handling such cases.
To schedule a free consultation or to discuss your case by phone, contact our law office at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075, or contact us by e-mail.
