Cooperation with Police: Reduction in Sentence
In Virginia you may cooperate with police or other authorities and in turn, earn a sentence reduction. This does not happen often, and is very case specific, turning on the novelty of any information you have, its usefulness, your cooperation, and the seriousness of the offenses you provide information about. While cooperation with police in this way may be beneficial to a Defendant, it also has inherent risks, and requires an attorney to ensure that your rights are being protected, and that you are not causing yourself more harm than good.
What if I am Offered a Cooperation Deal?
If you are charged with a crime, and appear to have information that is useful and important to the police or other agencies, you may be approached about a cooperation with police deal of some kind.
What will be required of you is what is sometimes known as a “debrief,” where you sit down with one or more investigators (and your lawyers) and answer their questions about criminal activity you have knowledge of. In turn, the Commonwealth with ask the judge to impose a reduced sentence for your own charge.
In practice the process is not a straight forward as it may sound.
Do I Need an Attorney if I Want to Cooperate?
If you plan to cooperate with the police or any similar agency, you absolutely need an attorney. This process will require cooperation and communication between yourself, prosecutors, investigators, and ultimately the court.
Not all deals are created equal, and a lawyer can help make sure that you are getting the best deal for the information you have. Just as importantly, a lawyer can ensure that you are being offered the right immunity for the information you have. The last thing you want is to cooperate only to find yourself with another charge to fight. Having an attorney with you can help make sure you aren’t jeopardizing yourself with anything you say.
If you are charged with a crime, and think you may be in a position to cooperate with the authorities for a sentence reduction, an qualified local attorney is essential.
Locations we serve:
It is important for someone charged with a crime in Virginia to hire a criminal defense attorney who is close to the jurisdiction they are charged in. We are located right next to the Alexandria Courthouse and minutes away from Arlington, Fairfax, and Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) courts. Our firm handles these cases in many locations throughout Northern Virginia such as:
Alexandria General District Court
Arlington General District Court
Fairfax County General District Court
Prince William County General District Court
Loudoun County General District Court
Virginia and D.C. Federal Crimes
Federal Assault Crimes
Assault on Law Enforcement: 18 U.S.C. 111
Simple Assault: 18 U.S.C. 113
Assault with Intent to Commit Murder: 18 U.S.C. 111
Domestic Assault: 18 U.S.C. 117
Maiming: 18 U.S.C. 114
Murder: 18 U.S.C. 1111-1122
Kidnapping: 18 U.S.C. 1201-1204
Domestic Violence and Stalking: 18 USC 2261-2266
Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity: 18 U.S.C. 2421-2429
Human Trafficking
Sex Crimes
Aggravated Sexual Abuse: 18 U.S.C. 2241
Sexual Abuse of a Minor: 18 U.S.C. 2243
Sexual Abuse: 18 U.S.C. 2242
Federal Driving Crimes
Reckless Driving: 32 CFR 263.6
Hit & Run
Federal White Collar Crimes
Embezzlement: 18 U.S.C. 641-670
Blackmail: 18 USC 873
Other Federal Crimes
Terrorism: 18 U.S.C. 2231-2339(d)
Riots: 18 U.S.C. 2101-2102
Federal Drug & Alcohol Crime
Drug Distribution and Trafficking
Marijuana Possession: 18 U.S.C. 844
Prescription Fraud
Federal Weapons Offenses
Felon in Possession of a Firearm: 18 U.S.C. 922(g)
Weapon used in crime of violence of drug trafficking: 18 U.S.C. 924(c)
Sale of Firearms without a License: 18 U.S.C. 922(a)
Sale of Illegal Firearms: 18 U.S.C. 922
Making False Statements when Purchasing Firearm: 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(6)
Illegal Possession of Firearm: 18 U.S.C. 922(o)
Federal Cyber/Computer Crimes
Child Pornography
Federal Punishment and Procedure
Failure to Appear: 18 USC 3146
