Top Rated Virginia Lawyers for Criminal & Traffic Defense • 1500+ Reviews
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established Virginia law firm with over 60 years of collective experience. We have successfully represented over 30,000 clients. Our Virginia lawyers specialize in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Reckless Driving, Speeding Ticket & Traffic Defense. We are zealous advocates. We have been recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report and fight for our clients using every resource the law allows. Our aim is to achieve the best possible outcome for every client. We understand the importance of maintaining positive relationships with the Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers that participate in our clients cases. Our firm has been positively reviewed more times than any other law firm that defends VA criminal & traffic cases.
***Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in all Virginia Courts***
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30,000+ Clients Represented
1500+ Client Reviews
60+ Years of Combined Experience
“AV Preeminent” Virginia Attorneys • Martindale-Hubbell Highest Rating
For over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating professionals for legal ability and ethical standards through a Peer Review Rating system established by lawyers and judges. Riley & Wells Attorneys-A-Law is an AV Preeminent® rated law firm. The highest Martindale-Hubbell peer rating standard. This rating is given to those who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Retain a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated VA criminal law & traffic defense firm for your case. Review the law firm’s legal rating and exercise caution before you secure representation with a firm that maintains an inferior rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
Free Consultation with Virginia Lawyers for Criminal & Traffic Defense
Some folks think they do not need help with their criminal law or traffic violation case. Be careful because there may be serious consequences. The biggest issues for most are the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average person does not understand the best course of action to defend a criminal or traffic case. Our experienced law firm knows the best tactics for obtaining the best results. We spend hours in the Courts every week and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who make the arrests and issue the traffic tickets. This specialized knowledge is invaluable in order to best defend your case.
Experienced VA Law Firm That Defends Criminal Cases
Our Virginia Criminal Defense Firm is dedicated to the practice of criminal law, which includes the more specialized areas of DUI / DWI law & traffic law. Our Virginia lawyers handle a wide range of criminal cases, from minor traffic violations to the most serious types of criminal charges. It is recommended that you to consult with an experienced VA criminal defense firm who can assess your case, provide the proper guidance and represent your best interests. Our attorneys are members of prestigious legal organizations. We believe that active membership and leadership in criminal law organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers make us better advocates for our clients.
Elite VA Attorneys Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers Since 2009
Super Lawyers is a legal rating service of outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This organization recognizes the top practitioners nationwide across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our law firm has been recognized by this publication since 2009. No more than five percent of the lawyers are named to this list and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. This recognition is merit based. Retain a top rated Virginia lawyer who has been recognized with this elite award.
Virginia Lawyers Specializing In DUI / DWI Defense
Drunk driving is taken seriously by the VA Courts. The DUI / DWI law is very complex and the consequences of a conviction can be extremely serious and life changing. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) & Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are often used interchangeably because they are both charged under the Va. Code 18.2-266. A Commonwealth Attorney can prosecute the offense regardless of whether drugs or alcohol or both are the intoxicant. Our DUI / DWI lawyers have successfully defended hundreds of DUI / DWI cases. Exercise caution before you engage an attorney for representation that lacks the proper training or experience. Engage a top Virginia DUI / DWI Law Firm who has the experience to best defend your DUI / DWI case.
Extensive Experience & Specialized Training Make The Best Advocates
Our law firm includes members of some of the most prestigious legal organizations, such as the the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA). The VTLA’s mission is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, skills and professionalism of trial attorneys. We believe leadership and membership with prominent trial organizations make us better advocates for our clients. Not all attorneys are trial attorneys. It is in your best interests to consult a professional with the expertise and specialized training if you need representation before the Courts for either a criminal law allegation or a summons for a traffic violation. We will present your best defense!
VA Traffic Lawyers Presenting the Best Traffic Violation Defense
The VA motor vehicle code classifies numerous offenses as traffic violations. Some offenses are more serious than others. Traffic violations can either be a criminal offense or a traffic infraction. A criminal offenses can be a felony or a misdemeanor. A traffic infractions can be a demerit point offense or a non-moving violation. The offense classification depends on the severity of the conduct. If you have been accused of violating a VA traffic law, then it would be wise to consult with an experienced law firm. A traffic violation conviction may negatively affect your freedom and your future. CAUTION: A traffic violation can increase the automobile insurance premium by as much as 79% according to Insurance.com
Virginia Lawyers Representing Clients Charged with Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in Virginia is taken seriously by law enforcement and the Courts. There are over 10 reckless driving laws. These laws are some of the most severe in the Country, according to WalletHub. Va. Code 46.2-862 states in part that a motorist can be convicted of misdemeanor reckless driving for driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit or faster than 86 miles per hour. Law enforcement agencies that patrol the Commonwealth issue thousands of traffic tickets every year for reckless driving. NOTE: The issuance of a summons for reckless driving is NOT a conviction. Contact an experienced professional who specializes in defending these cases before you plead guilty. You can benefit from our experience. Convictions cannot be expunged.
Legal Elite Virginia Attorney Recognition by VA Business
The Virginia Business publication is dedicated to covering economic activity in every sector and every region of the Commonwealth. Since 2000, Virginia Business, in cooperation with the Bar Association, annually recognizes the Top Virginia Attorneys with its Legal Elite award. There are over 23,000 legal practitioners in the Commonwealth. Legal Elite recognitions are awarded to approximately 1400 Virginia attorneys each year. This is an exclusive list of top rated individuals who have been recognized by their peers for excellence. Only outstanding and experienced professionals are recognized for being Legal Elite. A practitioner cannot purchase their way in to being recognized as a member of the Legal Elite community.
We Defend Your Virginia Uniform Summons in General District Court
The most common scenario that brings people before a Virginia District Court is because they have been issued a Virginia Uniform Summons. This summons is the legal document issued by law enforcement officers during a police encounter or traffic stop. This document is often referred to as a ticket. A law enforcement officer can issue a summons for a criminal misdemeanor offense or a traffic infraction. The summons serves as legal notice for the alleged violation. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The summons advises you that a hearing has been set before the General District Court. Let our Virginia lawyers review your summons. We can develop a defense strategy even if you think you are guilty.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH OUR FIRM!
Successful Interstate Criminal Law & Traffic Violation Defense
There are over 67,000 highway miles in the Commonwealth. The highway system is broken down into three categories: Interstate, Primary & Secondary. There are over 1,118 interstate miles and over 8,000 primary highway miles in VA. The remaining miles consist of secondary roads and urban streets. Millions of drivers operate on these highways. VA has 340 law enforcement agencies and over 22,000 sworn police officers. Many of these police officers enforce the criminal and traffic laws while patrolling these highways. Many of our clients are accused of criminal offenses and traffic violations while driving on the Commonwealth’s Highway System. We specialize in defending these cases. We have extensive experience and the relevant expertise to help you with your case.
Platinum Client Champion Award • Top Virginia Lawyers Client Review Rating
The Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes attorneys for excellence. The Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion client review rating award assists potential clients understand the real world experience previous clients have had with a law firm. Our Virginia lawyers maintain a Platinum Rating – the highest rating possible. The Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award is given to law firms who have received the highest number of client reviews with a score greater than 4.5/5.0. This award is a testament to our Virginia lawyers dedication to client service and a commitment to providing excellent legal representation. The award also recognizes our ability to navigate the often complex legal landscape and obtain positive outcomes for our clients.
Virginia Trial Courts Are Adversarial By Design
If you have been accused of a Virginia criminal offense or a traffic violation, then your case will eventually be set for trial before a Virginia Court. Criminal offense & traffic violation trials are adversarial. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the Commonwealth Attorney and the defense. The adversarial system is designed to ensure a fair trial process subject to the rules of law and evidence by allowing each side to present their case and to be able to challenge the other’s arguments and evidence. The Virginia Judge ultimately evaluates the evidence and arguments to reach a verdict. This system ensures that the prosecution meets its high standard of proof.
Circuit Court | Felony Criminal Trials & Misdemeanor Appeals From District Court
Overview
The Virginia circuit courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction in the Commonwealth. This court has authority to try a full range of both civil and criminal cases. Civil cases involve disputes between two or more parties. Criminal cases involve the Commonwealth and persons accused of a crime. Trial by jury is only available in a circuit court. There are 31 circuit court judicial circuits in Virginia with 120 separate circuit courts in the various counties and cities of the Commonwealth.
Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases
The circuit court has jurisdiction over the trial of all felony criminal offenses and criminal misdemeanors that were either originally charged in the circuit court or were appealed from a district court. The circuit court also has jurisdiction over juveniles charged with felonies whose cases have been certified or transferred by the judge of a juvenile and domestic relations district court for trial in circuit court. The circuit court has appellate jurisdiction over all appeals from the district courts. Appeals from the district courts are heard de novo, which means the cases are tried from the beginning as though there had been no prior trial.
Judges
A circuit court judge is elected for an eight-year term by a majority vote of both houses of the General Assembly. If the General Assembly is not in session when a vacancy occurs, the Governor may temporarily appoint a judge to serve until the General Assembly meets again and can elect a judge for a full term. Circuit court judges are required to reside in the circuit they serve and must have been admitted to the Virginia Bar at least five years prior to election or appointment.
Right to Counsel
The Commonwealth of Virginia is represented by the Commonwealth Attorney who prosecutes the case. The 6th Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to counsel in criminal trials. Retain the best Virginia lawyer for your criminal offense or traffic violation case.
Criminal Procedure
Most Virginia felony criminal cases start with the issuance of an arrest warrant. The defendant is then brought before a magistrate. The magistrate may either commit the accused to jail pending a hearing or release the accused on bail. A preliminary hearing is then held in district court where a judge determines if there is probable cause to believe the defendant has committed the crime charged.
If the district court judge finds there to be probable cause, then the case is certified or sent to the circuit court where the matter is heard by the grand jury. If the grand jury also finds there to be probable cause, then an indictment is returned. The defendant is then arraigned by the judge in circuit court. An arraignment is then held in circuit court where the charges are read and the accused enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere/no contest.
In some cases, the defendant was directly indicted by the grand jury, which means there was no preliminary hearing held in district court. Most misdemeanor criminal cases in the circuit court are appealed from the district court. Our top rated Virginia lawyers specialize in defending criminal offenses and traffic violations and can help you with your case.
Bench Trial vs. Jury Trial In A Criminal Case
In a bench trial, the judge is the sole fact-finder and makes the decision on the case. The judge listens to the evidence, considers the law, and decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In a jury trial, the jury is the fact-finder and they hear the case. The judge rules on motions, evidence objections and otherwise ensures there is a fair trial but the jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
The jury is made up of people from the community or jurisdiction of the court. The jury must reach a unanimous verdict after considering all the evidence presented at the trial. The Constitution guarantees an accused the right to a trial by jury on a plea of not guilty selected from a cross-section of the community. The venire, or list of prospective jurors summoned for a particular term of court, must reflect the composition of the community as a whole and may not discriminate by race, color, creed, or sex.
In the final selection of the jury, prospective jurors may be removed from the panel if they have expressed or formed any opinion, bias, or prejudice that might interfere with their rendering a fair and impartial verdict. The prosecution and the defense are each allowed three peremptory challenges, which means that a juror can be removed for any reason other than a protected status. Allow our experienced Virginia lawyers to review your case.
Grand Juries
The circuit court has the authority to impanel regular, special, and multi-jurisdiction grand juries. A regular grand jury is composed of five to seven citizens of the city or county where the circuit court is located; it is convened at each term of the court for two purposes:
(1) to consider indictments prepared by the Commonwealth’s Attorney (the grand jury determines whether there is probable cause to believe that the person accused has committed the crime charged in the indictment and should stand trial), and
(2) to investigate and report on any condition that involves or tends to promote criminal activity, either in the community or by any governmental authority, agency, or official. The grand jury hears only the Commonwealth’s side of the case and does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.
A special grand jury is composed of seven to eleven citizens and is summoned by the circuit court. A special grand jury may be impaneled by the circuit court
(1) at any time upon the court’s own motion,
(2) upon the recommendation of members of a regular grand jury, or
(3) upon the request of the attorney for the Commonwealth to investigate and report on any condition involving criminal activity and to consider bills of indictment.
A multi-jurisdiction grand jury involves more than one jurisdiction and is primarily used
to investigate complex criminal acts. It is composed of seven to eleven citizens. The Virginia Supreme Court may order the impaneling of a multi-jurisdiction grand jury for a term of twelve months upon the application of two or more Commonwealth Attorneys. The impaneling order also designates special counsel who will assist the multi-jurisdiction grand jury.
District Court | Misdemeanor & Traffic Violation Trials and Felony Preliminary Hearings
Overview
There is a general district court in each city and county in Virginia. The general district court conducts misdemeanor criminal & traffic violation trials and preliminary hearings in felony cases along with hearing related criminal procedural motions. This court also has jurisdiction over certain matters such as landlord and tenant disputes, contract disputes, and personal injury actions. The general district court does not conduct jury trials. All cases in this court are heard by a judge. Jury trials are held only in circuit court. Our Virginia lawyers are licensed to represent clients in any general district court.
General District Court Criminal & Traffic Cases
The general district court conducts trials over misdemeanor criminal offenses & traffic violation cases. Each defendant in a criminal or traffic case is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Upon consideration of the evidence, the judge decides the question of guilt or innocence and on a finding of guilt sets the penalty. Our top rated Virginia lawyers will present your best general district court defense.
A misdemeanor offense is any charge that carries a penalty of no more than one year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500 or both. Most traffic offenses are traffic infractions, which are generally punishable by a fine only. If you are convicted of certain traffic violations, the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will assess demerit points against your driver history. This is an administrative action by DMV and is in addition to any sentence imposed by the judge.
This court also holds preliminary hearings in felony cases. A felony is any charge that may be punishable by more than one year in jail. Preliminary hearings in felony cases are held to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the offense in order to justify certification of the charge to a grand jury in circuit court. The grand jury then determines whether there is probable cause for the defendant to be tried in the circuit court.
All fines collected for violation of state law are paid into the state treasury and credited to the Literary Fund. Fines collected for violations of city, town, or county ordinances are paid into the treasury of the city, town, or county whose ordinance has been violated. The amount of court costs is set by the General Assembly and cannot suspended or waived by the court. Retain a Virginia lawyer who specializes in criminal & traffic defense.
Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Juvenile & Domestic Relations (JDR) District Courts differ from other courts. The welfare of the juvenile and the family, the safety of the community, and the protection of the rights of victims are the highest concern in the JDR court’s proceedings. In addition to protecting the public and holding juvenile offenders accountable for their actions, JDR Courts have a legal duty to protect the confidentiality and privacy of juveniles coming before the court and a commitment to rehabilitate them.
The JDR clerk’s office can only provide limited information about a case involving a juvenile and only to those people involved with the case. Otherwise, JDR Courts generally have the same requirements and provide the same safeguards as other courts. All cases are heard by a judge. Our top rated Virginia lawyers defend criminal & traffic cases in the JDR courts. In Virginia, a juvenile is a person under 18 years old. A juvenile delinquent is one who has committed an act which would be a crime if committed by an adult. A status offender is a juvenile who has committed certain actions which, if committed by adults, would not be considered criminal offenses – such as a curfew violation.
A child in need of supervision is one who engages in truancy or habitually runs away from home. A child in need of services is one whose behavior, conduct, or condition poses a risk of harm to himself or herself or to another person. Child abuse and neglect cases involve the improper care or injurious handling of juveniles. JDR Court decisions may be appealed to the Circuit Court. Cases appealed to the Circuit Court are reheard de novo, which means that cases are heard as completely new cases where all the evidence is reheard and a new decision is made based on the evidence.
JDR Courts in Virginia handle cases involving:
- juvenile delinquency and status offenses;
- juveniles accused of traffic violations;
- children in need of services or supervision;
- children who have been subjected to abuse or neglect;
- adults accused of child abuse or neglect, or of offenses against members of their own family or household members (juvenile or adult);
- adults involved in disputes concerning the visitation, support, or custody of a child;
spousal support; - abandonment of children;
- foster care and entrustment agreements;
- court-ordered rehabilitation services; and
- court consent for certain medical treatments.
Representation In Virginia Courts for Out-of-State Drivers & Residents
Virginia is part of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. There are over 100 million visitors per year to the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, some of this out of state visitors have an encounter with a VA law enforcement officer. Out-of-state residents need a top rated Virginia lawyer for their criminal offense or traffic violation case. Many of the motorists on VA highways are licensed drivers from other states. Just because you are not from the area does not mean you can ignore your incident with the VA police officer. We routinely represent residents from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine.
Some Small Cities and Towns in the Commonwealth are Big on Enforcement
Some small cities and towns in the Commonwealth are particularly aggressive with enforcing traffic laws with the use of speed traps. Speed traps are an area of the road that police officers heavily monitor to catch people speeding. Technically defined as an area of road where police officers hide in order to detect vehicles exceeding a speed limit. Governing Magazine conducted a study. Eight VA localities made the cut: Brunswick, Greensville, Gordonsville, Eastville, Emporia, LaCrosse, Sussex, & Waverly. Northampton County’s Town of Eastville relies on traffic fines more than any other locality. 72% of Eastville’s 200-person town budget comes from traffic fines and court costs according to the study. Consult a Virginia lawyer who specializes before you plead guilty.
Virginia Clean Slate Expungement Lawyers • Erase Your Criminal Record
Virginia is now one of 12 states with what are called “Clean Slate” laws. Effective July 1, 2025, this new Virginia expungement law will allow millions of people to unlock a second chance. This new law creates a progressive criminal record relief system that is a mixture of automatic, contemporaneous and petition-based sealing for many criminal convictions and deferred & dismissed criminal dispositions. This new law offers relief in addition to the traditional expungement process. Navigating the complex expungement or sealing process and determining eligibility can be challenging especially for those who are required to petition a Virginia Circuit Court for relief. Contact our top rated Virginia expungement lawyers today for free no obligation consultation!
Superb Avvo Rated Virginia Attorneys
The Avvo Lawyer Rating can help you find the right Virginia attorney for your case. Avvo was derived from “avvocato”, the Italian word for lawyer. Avvo is a legal directory that rates legal professionals using a mathematical model on a scale of 1 (Extreme Caution) to 10 (Superb). Members of our Virginia law firm maintain a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Avvo collects relevant information from state bar associations, other organizations that license Virginia lawyers, legal professionals and thousands of consumers to calculate its rating. The same set of standards are used for every lawyer that is evaluated. The Avvo rating is merit based. You cannot pay a fee to improve your Avvo rating.
Recognized as a "Best Law Firm" Since 2016 by U.S. News & World Report
Virginia lawyers Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law have been recognized as a Best Law Firm since 2016. Our lawyers in Virginia specialize in defending criminal offenses & traffic violations.
Best Law Firms is the most credible ranking of exceptional Virginia law firms among the rest of the country. This ranking is rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. Achieving a Best Law Firm ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
The Best Law Firms research methodology includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process.
Best Law Firm’s time-tested reputation and a future-focused commitment to innovation provides legal professionals with an elevated stature, validation and confidence that comes from being part of, and working with, a Best Law Firms honored practice.
Contact our Virginia lawyers if you need help with your criminal offense or traffic violation.
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11/10/2015 | Updated 2/18/2025