Virginia Man Receives 76 Years for 3 Killings

A Virginia man was found guilty in the killings of three people which occurred in 2011 in Greene County, Virginia. The 27 year-old man, T. A. W., originally pleaded not guilty to the slayings which took place as part of a botched home invasion. The victims were two men, aged 26 and 25 and a woman aged 26, whose bodies were dumped on a road near Stanardsville, Virginia. The victims had all been shot. The jury in the case recommended that the defendant being sentenced to 76 years in prison for one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. T. A. W. was also found guilty of other charges, including three counts of using a firearm while committing or attempting to commit murder, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, burglary, attempted robbery, and using a firearm while attempting robbery.

Murder is considered to be the crime of killing another intentionally or with malice aforethought. Thus, it is not an accidental death occurring from negligence or recklessness. In the state of Virginia, the law defines murder as an act done by poison, lying in wait, starving, or a willful, deliberate, and premeditated act. It may be committed in the commission or the attempt to commit arson, rape, other sexual crimes, robbery, burglary, or abduction and is charged as a Class 2 felony. Any murder other than capital murder or first-degree murder as described above is considered to be second-degree murder which carries a penalty of five to 40 years in prison. Second degree murder of a pregnant woman in Virginia carries a penalty of 10 to 40 years in prison. First degree murder is punishable by 20 years to life in prison. Capital murder is punishable by the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Criminal Defense in Richmond, Virginia

Facing any type of criminal charge is a serious matter which can have a heavy impact on your life. You may be at risk of losing your freedom, forced to pay heavy fines and court costs, the loss of your driver's license, probation, other court-ordered actions and facing the future with a permanent criminal record. If you have been charged with a crime or are being investigated for criminal activity, one of the most important decisions you will make lies in the selection of an attorney to represent you.

For those in the greater Richmond area, you can turn to James A. Bullard Jr. P.C., a criminal defense firm that handles all types of misdemeanor and felony charges at both the state and federal level. Attorney Bullard was a prosecutor for almost four years during which time he developed his extensive trial skills. He brings to every case he handles detailed preparation, significant experience, strong courtroom ability, and a passion to serve his clients with the most effective defense strategy possible. No matter what type of charge you may be facing, from DUI to domestic violence, drug crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, and more, you can be confident that your case will be handled in a professional and aggressive manner. Contact the firm for a legal consultation to learn more.