Accomack County Accessory After The Fact Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Being charged as an accessory after the fact in Accomack County is a serious felony under Virginia law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of helping someone avoid arrest or prosecution, you need an experienced Accessory After The Fact Lawyer Accomack Virginia from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Being an Accessory After The Fact
In Virginia, the crime of being an accessory after the fact is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-19. A person is guilty of this offense if, knowing that a felony has been committed by another person, they receive, relieve, comfort, or assist the felon in order to hinder or prevent their arrest, trial, or punishment. It is critical to understand that the assistance must be provided *after* the felony is complete. This charge is separate from being a principal in the felony itself and focuses solely on actions taken to obstruct justice after the fact.
Last verified: April 2026 | Accomack County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Resources & Court Information
For the official text of the Virginia statute, refer to the Code of Virginia § 18.2-19. For local court procedures and filing information, visit the Accomack County Circuit Court website. These .gov resources provide the foundational legal information for your case.
Local Court Process & Defense Strategy in Accomack
Felony accessory charges in Accomack County begin with an indictment or direct information presented to the Circuit Court. The prosecution must prove you had knowledge of the completed felony and took specific actions to assist the felon. A common local procedural fact is that prosecutors often rely on circumstantial evidence, such as phone records or witness statements about your behavior after the crime, to establish intent.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: You will be arrested on a felony warrant. A bond hearing in General District Court will determine if you can be released before trial.
- Preliminary Hearing: In some cases, a hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty in the Accomack County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if the Commonwealth’s case is weak.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing is determined by the judge based on Virginia sentencing guidelines and arguments from your defense attorney.
Potential Penalties for Accessory After The Fact in Virginia
In Accomack County, being convicted as an accessory after the fact is a Class 5 felony, carrying a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, or, in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Collateral Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory After The Fact (Felony) | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years in prison OR up to 12 months in jail | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, difficulty obtaining employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Accomack County Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our philosophy is “Advocacy Without Borders,” meaning we commit fully to defending clients across Virginia. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex felony cases by meticulously challenging the prosecution’s evidence on knowledge and intent—the two pillars of an accessory charge.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While results are always case-specific, our approach in Accomack County focuses on attacking the weak link in most accessory cases: the prosecution’s ability to prove you *knew* a felony was committed and that you acted with the *specific intent* to hinder justice. Our secondary attorney on complex cases, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight to ensure every possible defense angle is explored.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Accomack County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (757) 464-9214
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Our Virginia defense team is positioned to serve clients across the Eastern Shore. If you need an Accessory After The Fact Lawyer Accomack Virginia, we are accessible. We represent clients from communities throughout the county, including Chincoteague, Onancock, Tangier Island, and Parksley. As experienced criminal court lawyers, we know the importance of a prompt and strategic response to felony accusations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “accessory after the fact” mean in Virginia?
It means you are accused of helping someone you know committed a felony, after the crime was over, to avoid arrest or punishment. This is different from helping plan or commit the crime itself.
Can I go to jail for being an accessory after the fact?
Yes. It is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine. A strong criminal charges defense is essential to avoid these severe penalties.
What is the main defense against this charge?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that a felony was committed, lack of intent to hinder justice, or that the assistance provided was not substantial enough to constitute a crime under the statute. A skilled criminal attorney will investigate which defense applies to your case.
How is this different from a principal offender?
A principal offender actually commits the felony or aids in its commission. An accessory after the fact is only involved after the felony is complete, with the goal of helping the principal avoid consequences. The charges and potential sentences are different.
Should I talk to the police if they suspect I’m an accessory?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used to prove your knowledge and intent. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a defense lawyer.
Related Pages: If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides defense for Felony Charges in Accomack County and Obstruction of Justice in Accomack. For a broader view of our practice, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your need for an Accessory After The Fact Lawyer Accomack Virginia.