Best Criminal Defense lawyers in Virginia

1,976 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Virginia

>2.0k

experienced lawyers

Chatocwa Ortasia Monshrell McWhorter

3831 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg, VA

Business Criminal Defense +2

4.3/5

4.3

12 Reviews

09 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous

Absoluety clueless with her advice, a robber of money and a liar in the court room. Don't know how still has her license. Incompetent fraud, utterly uneducated in the field of law. My new lawyer laughed at her work. Don't waste your money. She is a fraud and doesn't know law! Garbage!

02 Jul, 2019 by D edward

She was able to get my case reduced to a lesser charge, also made sure I receive no points on my driving record nor will show up on my record that would possible prevent employment !

27 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous

Chatocwa was the epitome of professionalism. She handled my situation with great diligence and care. She proved to be a very competent attorney. I strongly recommend utilizing her.

Herman M Sawyer Jr.

943 Shadows Dr, Front Royal, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

11 Apr, 2024 by Achmed

He was very rude man said I talk like a bad flem what ever that mean. Try to explain to hims he gets very angry on me and tells me to speak more clearly. I don't understand hims my English not very good

08 Sep, 2016 by Beth

Mr. Sawyer is a very competent attorney - he knows his way around the Virginia Judicial System. He is compassionate, quite skilled, and his pricing is fair and reasonable. He truly cares about his clients. Hired him to represent a family member in a felony charge.

04 Sep, 2015 by Phil

I hired Mr. Herman Sawyer to help me fight a pretty serious Reckless Driving charge in Arlington, VA. I was caught going 80mph in a 45mph zone – a criminal misdemeanor offense in the state of VA. Mr. Sawyer successfully had the charges dropped to a speeding violation with NO fine, all I had to do was take a VA Driver Improvement course which cost me $30 - he even had the prosecutor allow me to take the course online since I don’t actually live in the DC area. Herman is an excellent lawyer with decades of experience fighting these kind of charges throughout Northern Virginia – on top of all that, he charges an extremely reasonable fee, much less than all the other lawyers I contacted. Herman is a professional, a kind gentleman who actually listens to what you have to say - other lawyers I spoke to did not have the patience or time to listen to my story or driving background. Look no further than Mr. Herman Sawyer for your legal needs in Northern Virginia. I would recommend him to anybody any day of the week. Thanks so much for your help Herman! I owe you big time!! - Phil

Jason Jin Huh

7700 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA

Business Criminal Defense Litigation +3

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

30 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous

Mr. Huh is very professional. One of the biggest challenges in leadership is listening. Mr. Huh listens well and takes the time necessary to understand each concern. He is very knowledgeable and his demeanor during trial is calm and collective. There is no doubt that he has much trial experience by how he speaks and fights for your needs in a court room. He is also honest and up front with you on what you may or may not be able to accomplish under the law and he will help tailor your expectations. I am no expert in pricing, but for the matters handled in this case, i would say he is fair and reasonable.

25 Apr, 2019 by Cathy

Our family was fraudulently foreclosed on in the state of VA where the non-judicial laws are so confusing and impossible to appeal I was mostly brushed off, even mislead by other lawyers. Mr Huh was patient and gave an impressive breadth of knowledge on a field he humbly stated was outside of his practice. It was this explanation of the law that gave me some much needed breathing room during a difficult time.

11 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous

Attorney Huh assisted our family with a personal injury case that occurred late last year. He was more than willing to take on our case when other attorney's were uncertain it would be worth taking on. He was knowledgeable and guided us every step of the way in regards to ensuring that we would get compensated fairly for the injury. Our case involved Medicare and would easily have become a hassle if it weren't for Attorney Huh and his team. He took the time to make sure that we appealed when we needed to and it was worth it. We would definitely hire Attorney Huh again.

Cara Paige Oxenham

205 Battlefield Blvd S., Chesapeake, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

01 Aug, 2023 by Mike

This woman is the best !!!! I would give her a 100 STARS. She stopped and took the time to listen to my case. Next thing i Knew i was out with no bond. She owned the court room and was prepared. This woman is a very hard worker in a very stressful world. Thanks a MILLION TIMES OVER Cara.

28 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

They don’t ever answer the phone at the office or even call you back Hardly get a response from her She has her hands in to many other things A friend called Also and never responded to them either Don’t use her … I’ve never heard of a Divorce lawyer not having a person to answer the phone or get back to you in a timely manner

10 Aug, 2020 by Robnisha

By far the best lawyer I have came across she got my husband free from from incarceration within a decent week she did everything I asked and more , i would recommend her to anyone who’s in desperate need of a love love e coming home ! Thank you Cara oxeham

Michelle Mordue Helms

2697 International Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

23 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous

I hired Michelle to help my boyfriend out with a bond amend. I paid $500 to have this done. She NEVER requested to have a bond amend added to the docket . We live out of state , I hired her on a Monday & DIDNT hear anything unless I texted her. She ignored the calls. She only texted me 2 times. Met with my boyfriend for 20 minutes . Her excuse was they have to send the file to the DA. I contacted the DA and JDRC and they said that is not true; it can be heard by the judge same day. I informed her in a text that I spoke with JDRC & the DA and what they said and she told me I never spoke with anyone . I told her I was letting her go because she has done absolutely nothing and I was hiring another lawyer. She only refunded me $218. Took the remaining out of the $500 for a 20 minute visit & two texts she sent. I let her go on Thursday and hired someone else. My new lawyer got my boyfriends bond amend & arraignment on the docket the next day & he’s now on his way back home. This attorney is a joke . First time I spoke with her you can hear her smoking and blowing out the smoke while on the phone. Completely unprofessional. To top it all off, there was nothing signed between her & I. I will be reporting her & I hope no one else uses her. She WILL waste your money.

08 Oct, 2019 by John

Most attorneys take your money and don't contact you until court. Michelle Helms kept me informed throughout the entire process of my civil litigation case. She put in everything she had and won!! I highly recommend her hands down. Thank you Michelle.

04 Oct, 2019 by Angela

Michelle saves my life! She is a true professional. Very organized and detailed oriented. She does not back down in court, she fights for the rights of her clients. My custody case was emotionally draining and drawn out over the course of two year! Never once did she fault on representing me. I highly recommended her for any of your legal needs. Thank you so much Michelle. My son and I can now move on to bigger and better things in life.

Ashby Leigh Pope

353 Main Street, Smithfield, VA

Child Custody Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

24 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous

Ms. Pope was retained for custody. Despite it being obvious that my ex didn't want to care for his kids, but wanted to lower support payments & control things, she didn't advocate for us. He filed first; the assigned GAL asked where my petitions were, so I asked her the same & was told I didn't need to file petitions of my own... So when his grounds were revealed & they were OUTRAGEOUS, I had no recourse to open my own "change in circumstance," so I was left ONLY fighting against my ex's stupid crap. Several "deals" were tossed back & forth but none were good for my kids. Ms. Pope kept telling me I could NOT take a single day of visitation from my ex but every deal he offered cost me 12+ days per year. When you know the other party is looking to open support, you don't change days for a loss on your behalf. When a GAL can say, even to your kids' therapist that it's obvious the dad doesn't really WANT his kids, you don't GIVE that dad more time. You FIGHT for the time the mom is asking for, the kids are asking for, & the time the kids' teachers say is better for the kids. There was a last ditch effort by my ex to dodge court, but 1) the deal gave away a HUGE piece that was what he initially filed on (so I was agreeing to something I whole-heartedly believe is a detriment to the kids), 2) placed a ridiculous NEW stipulation on my time w/ the kids, & 3) gave him 3 days for every 2 days that were "added" to my time, so I was losing days overall. She yelled at me over the phone when I tried having a frank discussion w/ her about how I felt she was poorly representing me/us. She repeatedly referred to me by a very specific, derogatory term. I asked her to stop using the word & she persisted. She repeatedly told me I would lose & didn't bring half of the evidence I compiled despite it being pretty solid in the way of shining light on my ex's habits. She told me not to call witnesses because he had dismissed his, so we would look silly. She told me that one of my children's therapists would be a HUGE detriment to my case when the therapist said EVERYTHING to the contrary (& this has been reaffirmed several times!), so this professional, my strongest witness was never called. When asked about it, the therapist couldn't understand how Ms. Pope got the impression that he would be a detriment to MY case. He showed me my son's chart where he logged the information & it was reviewed again when the case was continued (I retained new counsel), & nothing he said about me was negative; in fact, the therapist agreed that it was obvious my ex doesn't want the kids, but he wants control & that's not a parent you put in charge. Period. Regardless of the issue that brought us to court this time, she put her own bias about a parenting style/choice first. She decided that the issue my ex chose to bring to court this time was something she agreed w/ him on & therefore, didn't represent me/us well. There was a lot more she could have done, especially w/ every text, email, screenshot, & witness I gave her, that she just didn't do. Her entire strategy revolved around settling out of court despite me repeatedly telling her that was not going to work - if we could settle, we wouldn't be here for the 7-8th time in 3 years. If we could settle, I wouldn't have thrown away $6,000 for an "advocate" to help argue my side. At no point did she say, "Don't offer that," during negotiations, so when one of his deals came back seizing on something I offered, but w/ additional demands, she blamed ME for giving too much away! Her advice was always, "Give away this big huge thing that was agreed upon during the marriage, to the point of signing documents to the affect of the agreement, then take what scraps he will give you for added time w/ your kids... even if it means it's not really adding time & costs you in child support, peace of mind, and sanity." The best interest of the children was over-ridden by a singular issue when it shouldn't have been.

08 Feb, 2016 by Mike

Ashby is very informative, she stays in contact and answers your questions. She helped me win custody of my children and has helped me to keep them safe. I would recommend her to anyone.

12 Aug, 2014 by Donald

Ashby Pope is an awesome attorney. She represented me very well with my divorce and she is a very tough lawyer. I would recommend Ashby Pope to anyone who needs a great attorney. Once again Ashby thank you for representing me.

Scott Christopher Hook

12 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA

Business Criminal Defense Real Estate +3

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

05 Nov, 2015 by Eric

We are very pleased with the assistance we received from our attorney Scott Hook in having an easement vacated on our property in order for us to sell our home. He wrote up the documents, spoke to our neighbor, and worked with the county attorney to ensure a successful outcome.

02 Sep, 2014 by Madcap farm, the plains va

I can't say enough about how pleased I am to be working with Attorney, Scott Hook. So pleased in fact that I have moved all my legal business to them, both personal and professional. He is knowledgeable and works with his clients to educate them so you can be fully informed and make the best decisions possible. Another benefit of working with Scott and this firm is that they are non alarmists, always calm and supportive. If that isn't enough one of the favorite things is they don't, "Milk the bill"!

27 Aug, 2014 by Joseph

We went to Scott Hook to have our wills established, Scott listened to our concerns and had a feel for what we wanted & needed to complete this transaction, in other words he gave us insight information to keep us in line with the Laws of the land . We appreciated his interest and insightful help to bring this to pass. Which gave us peace of mind and heart ... I have and do recommend his services...

Michael J Letsen

653 Main St, Tazewell, VA

Criminal Defense Personal Injury +2

+1 (276) 385-9172

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

17 May, 2023 by Summer

I recently used Mike as my lawyer and not only did he give me advice throughout the process but still gives me advice when I see him. He was professional, and made sure I was taken care of in court and received what was needed as far winning my court case. Mike is a great listener and willing to help anyone out. I highly recommend him, and plan on using him again for future cases

15 May, 2023 by Chase

I would highly recommend Mr. Letsen for your legal traffic needs. He recently represented me when I got my first speeding ticket. He was able to get the speeding ticket reduced to defective equipment saving me points on my license and preventing my insurance from going up. He also appeared on my behalf so I didn’t have to miss a day of work. He is very professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone searching for an attorney for a traffic offense.

02 Jun, 2018 by Valerie r

If you’re looking for counsel for a speeding ticket, save your money. You’ll pay $500 for cookie cutter service that has no impact on the court. My child got a reckless driving ticket in southern VA. We received a pitch pamphlet from Mr Letsen right after this that touted the ways he could fix everything & get the best outcome. When I contacted him later to ask some questions, he assured me he would fix everything. This was a FIRST time traffic violation for my child. My child NEVER had any trouble with the law. Paid Mr. Letsen $500. Thought that meant he would represent us in court & argue on our behalf — like the pamphlet claims. While I wasn’t at the initial hearing (that’s why we retained legal counsel), I find it hard to believe any arguments were made in our defense. The judge threw the book at us. He gave my child 30 hours of community service (!) & an 8-hour driving school. A bit excessive for a first time offense. After completing these things, the judge lowered the reckless charge to improper driving (as he should have) AND slapped us with a $566 fine! Ridiculous! We hired counsel to get a better outcome. I expected my lawyer to reduce both the charge & the punishments. It’s beyond crazy that we still had a huge amount of community service hours, a driving class AND a huge fine!!! This, after paying $500 for legal help? Southern VA has a real racket going on w/their speed traps, but that’s another story. Northern VA courts employ a finer class of judges. I know several families whose kids got reckless tickets and got off with far less in damages. Bottom line — Speeding violations are straightforward cases, unless drugs or alcoholic are involved. Save yourself $500 & go it alone. Or, go to a different law firm. Wish we did.

Emily Rowe Sitzler

108 East Main Street., Bedford, VA

Child Custody Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

4.3/5

4.3

46 Reviews

04 Sep, 2024 by 717 rider

Literally pays her assistant to respond to bad reviews 🤣 I have proof of all information I’m about to provide, feel free to reach out to me before wasting your money. I had a consult with Emily who basically went on about how things would go and all these thing the judge would do and so.. anyways I give her $3000 to retain her for a custody hearing. Tells me to be there 30min early so we can have a meeting before hand. Shows up 2 minutes before the hearing. Basically loses the case against an individual who didn’t even have a lawyer than proceeded to keep $1000 for doing absolutely nothing after I tell her she’s fired. Everyone I have spoken to has basically confirmed my suspicions about her. She’s afraid of the judge and ruffled feathers along with being messy and unprofessional in the court room. She doesn’t care about you or your children. Literally offered a 2/3 refund after doing no work. For 30 minutes in the courtroom where she looked scared to even stand up for her client and my child. Do yourself a favor and hire someone else. If you ever find yourself up against emily don’t worry just defend yourself.

01 Jul, 2024 by Rob deel

Ms. Emily Sitzler and her staff were amazing to work with. Responses to both emails and phone calls, were all handled promptly.-In many cases, immediately. Emily is an adept professional. More importantly, she is a caring individual. She was so very empathetic to our plight.-Going so far as to give some personal advice, about an adjacent matter, that we didn't realize was affecting our current situation. She is not only an expert litigator, she is truly a good person. The world needs more folks like her. I highly recommend her office for any legal matter you may face.

18 Apr, 2024 by Faith allen

John David Gibson

PO Box 2061, Louisa, VA

Child Custody Criminal Defense Estate Planning +1 +4

4.2/5

5.0

5 Reviews

4.1

81 Reviews

24 Sep, 2024 by Autumn campbell

Very unprofessional kept rescheduling my court dates 4 times then it came to when I called the circuit court for my court date. I was never on the books. I would not recommend him to anybody. Better off calling ALLEN & Allen . Never q responses to phone or text messages girl up front is rude doesn’t do her job my advice your better off representing yourself before you ask for his representation

01 Aug, 2024 by Cheyenne inman inman

Very patient and very helful

27 Jul, 2024 by Elly kidd

I reached out to Mr. Shareff & since day one him & ladies in office super nice & responsive. I started my uncontested divorce end of Feb & divorce took a while but it was not his fault. He was so responsive & explained the whole process answered all my questions & I have no complaints! We emailed back and forth & finally we got divorce finalized. I recommend him & his staff have been awesome & very professional. He is an asset to this Louisa community & in my opinion they deserve a lot of credit for all the work & time they put in! Thanks to him & staff I’m divorced & can now move on with my life! There needs to be a 10 star option because they truly deserve it!!!

Andrew Anthony Protogyrou

125 St Pauls Blvd., Norfolk, VA

Criminal Defense Drug Crime Federal Crime +3

4.2/5

4.0

4 Reviews

4.2

77 Reviews

17 Sep, 2024 by Anthony wilkin

29 Jul, 2024 by John wick

31 May, 2024 by Ruqayyah barnes

Courtney Alexa Anderson

901 E. Byrd Street, Richmond, VA

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense +4 +7

4.2/5

5.0

1 Reviews

3.4

5 Reviews

07 Jan, 2024 by Nathan philype

10 Oct, 2023 by Summer layton

This firm is filled with knowledgeable and attentive attorneys. I highly recommend.

12 Jun, 2022 by Marvin greene

Highly unprofessional in all seriousness…

Teddy Joseph Midkiff

125 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA

Business Criminal Defense Estate Planning +3 +6

4.2/5

4.2

77 Reviews

17 Sep, 2024 by Anthony wilkin

29 Jul, 2024 by John wick

31 May, 2024 by Ruqayyah barnes

Kathryn Eleanor Lavelle

1919 Commerce Drive, Hampton, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

4.2/5

5.0

2 Reviews

4.2

32 Reviews

26 Aug, 2024 by Mario saunders

I call the Carteia law group after I was in a bad car accident where I was rear ended and ended up with several back in juries and a concussion. Carteia and her team took care of everything and got me a fair settlement that I can’t complain about. I’m still a little banged up but she fought hard to get me what I deserved and I’m so I pick her to represent me

04 May, 2024 by Tim knight

22 Mar, 2024 by Iamthewigsplitta lady red

I’ve had a case with my partner going on for almost 2 years. I have absolutely no information however Attorney Basknight has her full payment UPFRONT and we have no case as of yet. I have called her office for the last couple of weeks with no response from her and only loopy receptionists that either are not forwarding the messages or Attorney Basknight has taken our hard earned money for part of her own business expenses moving elsewhere. My partner was told the ‘case would be heard in March 2024’…we are at the end of March 2024 and there is no word of being on the docket the receptionist had absolutely zero notes on my case or IF IN FACT she can actually proceed with the case. I’m at a total loss right now because I trusted highly in her expertise but now without results in 2 years? I just want answers NOW.

Sharri Dishaun Mapp-Jones

4510 Holland Office Park Ste 517, Virginia Beach, VA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

4.2/5

4.2

20 Reviews

01 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous

All these negative reviews are reflected off of attorney Mapp not her staff. She was always late for appointments and when the client would call to get an update she would want them to get on the calendar just to speak to her and then would end up not being able to keep that appointment. It's deplorable how she ran that office!!! It's a wonder she's able to keep anybody working for her because she takes full advantage of the employees that stay for an extended period of time and goes through them like a roll of toilet paper.

29 May, 2023 by Anonymous

This place does not do what you paid them to do. Actually, they take their sweet time. She makes excuses but I don't care. You have my payment in full. If you can't do your job offer my money back and let me move on. But that would be too much like right. Over a year later and I am still in limbo. There are never updates unless you hound the office. They wait weeks to tell you other items are needed and you still only find that out after you hound them for an update. A simple matter that should be done already.

24 Mar, 2023 by As

Hiring Ms. Mapp as your attorney in a civil matter is equivalent to going to a used car dealership on the turnpike and getting a 10 year old car for 25% interest. She does not advocate for you, she or her staff does not respond or complete tasks. When asked about the status of the case that should have been completed months ago, she states that the case is not a priority. She submits incomplete files to the court with no follow up and expects the client to know what to do. Lawyers are hired to SUBMIT COMPLETED files to the court. I do not recommend hiring this lawyer unless you want to deal with disrespect and incompetence from her or her staff. She prolongs cases so that she can continue to get paid.

Tammy Lynn Sossei

4114 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

4.2/5

4.2

14 Reviews

21 Jan, 2022 by Elizabeth

Ms. Sossei is a badass attorney and I would highly recommend her! Very detail oriented and hard working! She will fight hard for you and never settles for less than. She never sugar coats anything and is always 100% honest when it comes to your case. She does not treat you like just another client or a file on her desk, she treats you like family!

17 Jan, 2022 by Jasmine

We had an absolutely horrendous experience with Tammy Sossei. Do not waste a second of your time or money with her as your attorney! She failed to provide any basic guidance, strategy, or to adequately prepare us for what to expect come court day. She was some combination of disorganized, tardy, disheveled, and unprepared for every interaction. It was clear that the judges do not respect or think highly of her. Her assistant, Katie, is basically incompetent. For example, she sent the wrong settlement offer to the other sides attorney, her scanned legal docs were missing random pages, and she doesn’t understand how to transfer files between google docs and word. I regret ever allowing Ms. Sossei to represent us for such an important life matter. Do not trust her with your legal affairs. She (and in turn, you) will lose.

02 Feb, 2021 by Beatrice

Nice, friendly, sweet until it was time to work. She dropped the ball. Big time. I should have googled and been better prepared for myself. What’s the point of a hired attorney right. Find someone better. Or worry you may miss something because your on your own. But if you want a great friendly personality. She’s it.

James Donald Garrett

P.O. Box 658, Norfolk, VA

Child Custody Criminal Defense Family Law +3

4.2/5

4.2

13 Reviews

10 Apr, 2017 by Rebekah

Mr. Garrett failed as an attorney for me as he did not respond in a timely manner to many of my emails and phone calls. He called me petty and vindictive when I asked for clarification and refused to sign something until he explained what he was asking for. He refused to answer many of my questions and was not timely in his delivery of any of my documents. I was forced to pay for a next day signed copy of my documents myself due to the fact that he didn't get them to me in time, and then he texted me that they were returned to him. Do not hire him if it's anything other than a traffic violation.

25 Jun, 2016 by Justin page

I had retained Mr. Garrett as my attorney at a tune of $2500 to only go to preliminaries. After I was charged with a felony I bonded out. After I bonded out the DA added a charge due to Mr. Garretts poor oral skills at preliminaries. I was then locked up for the 2nd charge and left in Va Beach correctional for 9 days because Mr. Garrett blew off 3 people i had calling him plus myself in the cell block. Needless to say I fired him after he finally got me a bond hearing on day 9 of being in jail. Meet my new attorney in the parking lot and hired him with no problems.

22 Apr, 2016 by Jared

A couple years back Mr. Garrett got me out of some serious domestic charges, I cannot thank him enough for his help. A family disagreement ended up with me going to jail with charges no one wanted filed, but since it was a domestic case Virginia Beach stepped in. Most everything was dropped thanks to Mr. Garrett, again I cannot thank him enough. I will, without a doubt, go to him if I need legal help again.

Stephanie Allette Pease

post office box 645, Abingdon, VA

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense +1 +4

4.2/5

4.2

11 Reviews

02 Sep, 2023 by Jeremy

I retained Ms. Pease for a personal injury case in July of 2022. Ms. Pease was very difficult if not impossible to get in touch with. She never responds to emails (As a lesson never use an attorney with a Gmail address). When I was able to get in touch with Ms. Pease or her ever-changing staff they informed me that the case was moving forward and they were waiting on medical bills. Finally, in August Ms. Pease informed me that after wasting a year she would no longer be pursuing the matter. I asked her to please mail me all documents related to the case so that I could pursue the matter with another attorney. Up to this point Ms. Pease has yet to send those documents (I strongly suspect there are no documents, because she did no work). Overall, I found Ms. Pease to be extremely unprofessional and I certainly wouldn't recommend trusting her with legal matters.

30 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous

Ms. Pease goes above and beyond to ensure the best results possible. She has represented me on 2 different occasions and I could not be more satisfied.

30 Jul, 2018 by Mallory

I was a client of Stephanie’s for a few smaller charges, but she was so wonderful to work with. She took care of everything without me even having to set foot in the court room. If you want someone who not only cares about her work but cares about her clients, I highly recommend you going to her.

Matthew Scott Mcconnell

6116 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA

Child Custody Criminal Defense Personal Injury +3

4.2/5

4.2

11 Reviews

28 Jan, 2022 by Jennifer

I had my first DUI 2013/ 2014. I met him through a really good friend mine. As soon as I called him he was explaining what I needed to do and what not to do; too protect my rights. He was very prompt about detailing me about court dates and what his and the court’s expectations might be. Matthew is so easy to talk too and will help in anyway possible. Definitely recommend him for anyone who unfortunately gets in a unlikable situation. You will also learn a lot from him in the meantime! 100% reliable.

04 Feb, 2020 by Amber

He is very thorough and knowledgeable and got my DUI dismissed! Does not waste time and to the point.

10 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous

I hired this lawyer to represent me in a tenant landlord case appeal. The judge added up what he felt I owed the plaintiff and my lawyer forgot to make sure my 2400 security deposit was credited from this amount. I repeatedly requested that my attorney correct this. It was his error and he did not even offer me the opportunity to pay him to fix the error. He said that the plaintiff's attorney assured him it had been credited. The whole point of having an attorney is to be defended against the charges/plaintiff. It cost me a 2500 retainer and then an extra 2400 for the loss of proper crediting of my security deposit. This was an error that could have been corrected he just did not care enough to do so. I could not afford to hire another attorney to correct his mistake. I would avoid this attorney. I am still stunned that he could not be bothered to fix his own error.

Kenneth B. Murov

716 J Clyde Morris Blvd Ste B, Newport News, VA

Car Accident Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

4.2/5

4.2

11 Reviews

22 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous

Much to my dismay, I found myself in need of a divorce attorney 5 years ago. I met with Kenny Murov and realized he was a no nonsense person that took his job seriously. We were able to settle out of court with a very fair settlement. Unfortunately, 5 years later I needed his services again when my ex decided to only meet half of his court ordered financial obligations. This time we had to settle the matter in court. I was extremely nervous since this was my first time in court. After about 10 minutes of opening statements, I realized I had nothing to worry about and this man would go to battle for me. I was most impressed with his knowledge of my case, the research he had done, and his preparedness for court. He was thorough and intense. He missed nothing even after 4 hours of testimony. I had never seen him in court and I was amazed at his knowledge and skill. If you are his client, you will have to feed him the information and probably have a lot of paperwork to provide. But he needs facts in order to do his job. He is a man of integrity that is devoted to his law practice. I was fortunate to have him represent me.

02 Nov, 2020 by Rufus

Aliye Kidwell provided excellent service handling my legal problems professionally and in a timely and friendly manner. I was delighted with the work that she and her staff provided . She also provided me with monthly statements of charges. Her fees were fair and clearly presented. My experience with the Murov law firm could not have been better. I will recommend their services to anyone I know in need of legal representation. Reviewed by: Buster Kight

02 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous

Kenny provides the best service you can find in the Tidewater area. He is an expert in his field, easy to contact and responds quickly. He is courteous and friendly and gives you as much time as you need. When its needed he will give you the advice thats best for you even though occasionally it might be tough to hear it. I would give him my strongest recommendation for legal support and action.

George Price Koch III

660 Cambridge St., Fredericksburg, VA

Appeals Consumer Protection Criminal Defense +2 +5

4.2/5

4.2

10 Reviews

21 May, 2023 by Anonymous

Mr. Koch showed up at my trial as unprepared as if he had never met me. He did not use the evidence I supplied, failed to subpoena key witnesses, did not interview or even know what to ask my witnesses. Allowed multiple lies and fabrications to go unchecked, and did not provide even a modicum of defense. He is either grossly incompetent or in the pocket of the DA. As a result, I went to prison for a crime that never happened, of which there was no evidence, and after Mr Koch assured me that the case was a "slam dunk".

11 Jul, 2018 by Jeff p.

Mr Koch was a blessing. I was facing a felony with up to multiple years in prison, and Mr. Koch got it reduced to a misdemeanor with ZERO time in prison. He was also able to help me maintain my Driver's license. In addition to being very knowledgeable, he was also very compassionate and understanding. I don't have enough kind words to say about Mr. Koch. If I could rate him higher than a five, I would. I recommend him to anyone facing charges in the Stafford area. While other attorneys were hesitant to defend a case in Stafford, Mr. Koch dove right in, and got the best results I could hope for. Give him a call, and you won't be disappointed!!

14 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous

Mr. Koch saved my family. I was facing serious felony charges. During the process I had moments of doubt, but Mr. Koch's confidence always reassured me. My case went all the way to a jury trial and Mr. Koch was fantastic in the courtroom. He had a unique way of connecting with the jury and making the defendant appear to them as a human being with dignity. Mr. Koch aptly showed the jury that the charges against me didn't carry water and they found me not guilty on all counts. He is amazing!

Emily Meyers Munn

223 East City Hall Avenue, Norfolk, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Federal Crime +3

4.2/5

4.2

10 Reviews

02 Apr, 2024 by Fly

Mrs Munn is real she’s going to tell you like it is and she is a fighter she will fight for you until the end she’s wonderful at bond hearings and she will do her best to get you the best results!! I highly recommend Mrs.munn mother of 6 Federal case

11 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous

It's really hard to get hold of her, she hardly answered the phone nor replied emails. In my opinion, she did not do her best flighting for us. I would not recommend to anyone.

25 Jul, 2019 by Bren

Eight of us went to a bond hearing to see the judge for a bond.All eight of us had different attorney. I had Ms. Munn as my attorney. I was the only one released that day.Need I say more.If you want an attorney that going to tell you the truth,know her way around a courtroom.you need to call her A.S.A.P!

Allison Luck Bridges

6802 Paragon Place, Suite 602, Richmond, VA

Adoption Child Custody Criminal Defense +2 +5

4.2/5

4.2

5 Reviews

04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous

I would not recommend her to anyone. She was not very interested in telling us what she could do with our case but was clear on telling us her hourly and retainer fee and had the nerve to add we could pay her more money to file a simple change order. Why would I hire you if I have to do all the work myself?!

19 Sep, 2017 by Tom mckeen

Alison is an amazing attorney. She was prompt to respond to emails. She really cared about the case and most importantly her skills won my case. I would highly recommended her.

16 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous

Allison is the best! Dealing with custody matters can be nerve-racking. When you are coping with a high conflict custody dispute on top of all it can become overwhelming. Allison took care of everything. We would not have kept our sanity without her. Allison kept us up to date and eased our anxiety. We hope we are never in this situation again but if we are, we know Allison is just a phone call away. It has been a positive experience working with Allison. She makes it easy for us to understand all the procedures that are involved, we appreciate all the work and effort she put in on working on our case. Weal enjoyed working with her. Thank you again for everything you are truly a part of our family!

Richard Martin Reed

9200 Church Street., Manassas, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +1 +4

4.2/5

4.2

5 Reviews

26 Feb, 2015 by Diana

Both Mr. Reed and his wife have worked on my personal injury case. They have kept me informed and are very knowledgeable in the process. They are professional and always on point with responses to the insurance company's attorney. The insurance company of the individual who rear-ended me at a traffic stop has refused to pay my medical bills. The Reed Law Firm, has been firm and professional in their request that the case be settled. I am confident that we will end up with a favorable outcome. I was previously represented my Ms. Reed in my divorce; I was very please with the representation I received during the divorce. Ms. Reed worked relentlessly, I felt very well represented, Ms. Reed took over my divorce case after a unpleasant experience with another female attorney who lacked in professionalism, ethics and compassion. I can't say enough about both Mr. and Mrs. Reed in the manner in which they have represented me. I was new to this area and did not where to turn when by chance I ran into an individual who highly recommended Ms. Reed to me.

30 Jan, 2015 by Victoria

I hired Mr. Reed to represent me in a contested divorce. He kept me constantly informed and up-to date throughout the entire case. He was knowledgeable and a great advocate for me. He was great in the courtroom, and we got a complete victory in my opinion. I highly recommend Mr. Reed.

30 Jan, 2015 by Cole

I worked with Both Richard and his wife/partner, Vanessa on a complicated and important pre-nuptial agreement. I found the entire firm to be absolutely first class. I was originally thinking I would go it alone and write up my own pre-nup using online searches to gather information. THAT would have been a huge mistake, they pointed out many items I would have missed had I done that.

Sidney Harrison Kelsey Jr.

468 S Independence Blvd Ste A112, Virginia Beach, VA

Car Accident Criminal Defense Workers Compensation +1 +4

4.2/5

4.2

5 Reviews

08 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous

I didn't do it as they say. He did a great job for me. 83/55 speeding ticket was dropped to nothing. I still have a clean driving record.

06 Dec, 2016 by Karen mccoy

I got an advertisement letter in the mail among many. I got many quotes but to me I feel like I hit the jackpot with Sidney Kelsey. First, all of the other letters seemed threatening and made me uncomfortable. I called Mr. Kelsey's office because his letter was very genuine, second, he was understanding and realistic about my case. His fees were so reasonable and so I decided to go with him. I wasn't able to make it the first time to court so he got me a continuance. When the date came he got it dismissed and I am such a happy person thanks to him, in my opinion people who complain about their attorneys do not follow their advice, that's what they are there for!

17 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous

Mr. Kelsey is a very knowledgeable attorney. I really appreciated the way he handled my traffic case and with great results. He was always very responsive when I contacted him and always kept me informed as to the status of my case. Thanks!

Julie Lillrose Churchill

Po Box 598, Gloucester, VA

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +3 +6

4.2/5

4.2

5 Reviews

26 Oct, 2023 by Amanda

Julie has been extremely successful at helping me file for my divorce after I had her as my atty for a domestic assault case that she had dismissed for me! I would 10/10 recommend to anyone in the area!! Thanks JULIE!! A. Hamil

14 Jul, 2023 by Suzanne

My son got his 2nd reckless driving ticket. She went above and beyond not just get reduced but had him take the right driver improvement class.. she asked him questions she had him explain what he learned from that and from the community service.. it wasn't about getting him out of a ticket but to teach him what he did wrong and what could’ve happened..I would definitely use her services again if needed.

15 Mar, 2023 by Lindsay

We originally retained Ms Churchill in 2018 for my husbands custody of his son, she does an amazing job at researching and organizing your documents, and advising you how to keep organized. You can tell she truly cares! My husband has sole legal and physical custody of his son. In 2022 we retained her for my own custody (shared physical and joint legal) of my stepson and I won! Her extensive hard work truly pays off. I trust her completely and cannot recommend her enough!

Wesley Blair Simon

4900 Cutshaw Avenue, Richmond, VA

Criminal Defense Personal Injury +2

4.2/5

4.2

4 Reviews

18 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous

Wes Simon was assigned to my (adult) child's case. I was feeling so helpless and lost in the jungle of jail rules, court rules, police rules - first time for my child being in jail - so very scary... Wes worked his magic and got their case finalized in a very short period of time. I'm so very grateful for his help!

20 Feb, 2022 by Alex j alexander

I am a recovering addict, who had a relapse, and due to intimidation, I was eventually charged. He is an outstanding attorney and is spending a lot of time on this case. I'm in college and he has really helped with having the ridiculous charges reduced greatly. I was caught with nothing on me, but a lottery ticket with cocaine residue was in my room. It was not mine. I'm currently charged with possession and if convicted, he said I will be on probation. I have faith in this attorney and I know he is extremely aggressive to prove the truth at trial. I would definitely recommend his representation to anyone in a position like mine. He is also very experienced in civil law and has had very positive outcomes in court, and also has negotiated more than fair plea bargains for others.

05 May, 2018 by Anonymous

Simon was responsive; but, as my court-appointed attorney, either clearly disregarded my concerns regarding conflict of interest in court, or was merely anxious to get my case out of the way. Following an attempt to have my bail posted at a bond hearing, Simon essentially scolded me for ‘knowing‘ (of) court staff (e.g. attorneys, deputies, judges), among other things, and then hastily made arrangements with the Commonwealth Attorney’s office to turn my bond hearing into trial.

Rachel Elizabeth Madden

1919 Commerce Dr, Hampton, VA

Criminal Defense Family Law Real Estate +3

4.2/5

4.2

32 Reviews

26 Aug, 2024 by Mario saunders

04 May, 2024 by Tim knight

22 Mar, 2024 by Iamthewigsplitta lady red

John David Mayoras

614 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA

Criminal Defense Domestic Violence +2

+1 (540) 369-4772

4.1/5

5.0

8 Reviews

4.0

67 Reviews

26 Sep, 2024 by Julianne carlisle

Brenda Greene was appointed as my attorney for a protection order, and I couldn’t have asked for better representation. As someone with a chronic illness that affects my cognitive abilities, I was grateful for her kindness, patience, and support. She made my first court experience much easier than I expected. Brenda was not only knowledgeable and professional but also incredibly personable and approachable. I unfortunately missed her after a brief step away from court, so I didn’t get to thank her in person—so here’s my heartfelt thank you!

25 Sep, 2024 by Janice martin

If you are searching for a defense attorney I would strongly advise that you do not hire Tara Beth Coleman. She was appointed to my case by the circuit court. She does not return calls review evidence or even show up on time. She may have had some luck in a few cases that are considered high profile as for integrity and passion she lacks. Beware and find competent counsel to defend your reputation and freedom.

05 Sep, 2024 by Kenneth t.

I cannot put into word's how fantastic of an attorney Mr.Mayoras is other than "pure blessing"!!! I have dealt with attorneys in the past and have never received as much care and commitment and respect nor have been taken as seriously as I have with John. He represented me in a case where I was facing very serious charges and he did a fantastic job defending me throughout the entire process, especially in front of the jury!! He is very knowledgeable and detailed and was very professional the entire time and will do everything in his power to get you the justice you deserve which he went above and beyond on with this case and succeeded tremendously! so if you or a loved one is facing serious charges John Mayoras is the attorney for you. No other attorney will take your case as personal as John Mayoras!! Seriously I couldn't thank him enough and because of him I am forever grateful!!! John Mayoras is the only attorney I'd recommend in Virginia hands down!!!

Dirk B. Padgett

211 E Jackson Ave, Vinton, VA

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense +3 +6

4.1/5

5.0

2 Reviews

4.1

45 Reviews

10 Sep, 2024 by Katrina c.

I had very unique circumstances including 1) being referred by another lawyer for him to take my case and 2) being afraid of men due to domestic disputes. However, I had no issues working with Dirk or his team towards feeling safe and represented. He was fair, honest and affordable which meant a lot in my circumstances. I thank him personally and to Laken for her follow ups and understanding with me throughout my case and for Ginger for her follow ups and scheduling due to my out of state travels and appearances. The team kept up with all of it! Grateful.

05 Aug, 2024 by J

Dirk and his staff have been amazing for my daughter would definitely recommend!

12 Jul, 2024 by Kk sheffield

Awesome lawyer, works hard for you and the staff is exceptional!

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FAQs

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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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