Highest Rated Franklin County VA Lawyers • 1500+ Reviews
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established law firm that concentrates its Franklin County VA law practice defending clients accused of criminal law offenses, which include DUI / DWI, reckless driving, speeding & traffic violations. We are recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report for superior legal ability and ethical standards. Law enforcement in Franklin County VA is serious about enforcing the criminal & traffic laws. Our attorneys in Franklin County Virginia understand the nuances of the law. We represent clients charged with criminal & traffic law offenses. Our firm has been positively reviewed more times than any other law firm that represents clients charged with Franklin criminal offenses & traffic violations.
Franklin County Defense Library: Choose Your Case Type
Franklin County VA Circuit & District Court Lawyers
Franklin County is located in the Blue Ridge foothills of Virginia. The town of Rocky Mount is both the county seat and the largest town. Franklin is known for its moonshine heritage, agriculture, and natural beauty. The major highways that run through the county include: Routes 220, 116, 122 & 40. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, State Police & local police aggressively enforce these highways and the rest of the county, including the communities of Ferrum, Henry Fork, North Shore, Penhook, Union Hall, Westlake Corner, Boones Mill and Rocky Mount. Do not plead guilty to your case. In Virginia, a conviction is permanent and cannot be expunged. Contact an experienced Franklin County lawyer who will present your best defense.
Most Rated Franklin Lawyers Presenting Your Best Defense
Free Consultation with Elite Franklin County VA Lawyers
Some folks think they do not need a Franklin County VA attorney to defend their criminal case or traffic violation. For criminal cases, a lack of experience and legal knowledge are primary considerations. Those concerns along with being able to make it to the courthouse for the trial date are issues for traffic violation cases. The average person does not understand the best course of action. Experienced Franklin VA lawyers know the best tactics for obtaining the best results. Our lawyers spend hours in the Franklin VA Courts and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who make the arrests and issue the traffic tickets.
Franklin County Lawyers Defending Traffic Cases
Franklin County was established in 1785. The county is named for Benjamin Franklin. The major highways in Franklin County are Route 220/Virgil H. Goode Highway, Route 116/Jubal Early Highway, Route 122/Booker T. Washington Highway & Route 40/Old Franklin Turnpike. Franklin County Deputy Sheriffs and State Troopers patrol these highways as well as the rest of the Franklin community. These law enforcement agencies issue traffic tickets for various traffic violations. The issuance of a summons or traffic ticket is NOT a conviction. Contact an experienced Franklin County attorney before you plead guilty. Convictions cannot be expunged.
Top Law Firm for Criminal Defense – Franklin County VA
Our Franklin County Criminal Defense Firm has dedicated their careers to the practice of criminal law. Our Franklin VA criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of criminal cases. Every criminal case is a mix of procedure and substantive law. Title 19.2 of the Va. Code, the Virginia Supreme Court rules, and the Constitutions of the United States and Virginia govern criminal procedure. The substantive criminal law is primarily located in Title 18.2 of the Va. Code. Consult with an experienced Franklin VA lawyer who can properly assess your case, provide necessary guidance and best represent your interests. Our lawyers are members of prestigious legal organizations. We believe this makes us better advocates.
Franklin County Virginia Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a legal rating service comprised of outstanding lawyers from over 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This organization recognizes the top rated lawyers nationwide across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our Franklin VA law firm has been recognized by this publication since 2009. No more than five percent of the Virginia 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 Franklin County specialist who has been recognized with this elite award.
Franklin County DUI / DWI Lawyers
A proper DUI / DWI investigation requires strict attention to detail. Franklin County Police and State Troopers investigating DUI / DWI cases are highly trained. Our skilled Franklin County DUI / DWI Lawyers understand what specifics to look for when representing a motorist accused of drunk driving. Countless defenses are recognized by the law, but only Franklin DUI / DWI attorneys with the proper training and experience know how to find them and best present them to the Court. We have successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases. Only skilled representation can help you navigate a maze of penalties. Effective Franklin DUI / DWI lawyers can negotiate cases where the Commonwealth’s evidence overwhelmingly proves a violation.
Successful Franklin County Attorneys For Reckless Driving Defense
Virginia has one of the strictest reckless driving laws 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 faster than 85 mph or 20 mph over the posted speed limit. The maximum speed limit on the highways through Franklin County VA vary. Deputy Sheriffs and State Troopers issue thousands of Franklin County reckless driving tickets every year. Put our experience to work for you. You can benefit from our expertise!
Franklin County Trial Courts Are Adversarial By Design
If you have been accused of violating a Franklin VA criminal or traffic law, then your case will eventually be set for trial before the Franklin Courts. Criminal and traffic violation trials are adversarial in nature. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the Franklin Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the defense. The adversarial system is designed to ensure a fair trial according to the rules of law and evidence by allowing each party to present their case and to be able to challenge the other’s evidence and arguments. The judge evaluates the evidence and arguments to reach a verdict. This system ensures that the prosecution meets its high standard of proof.
Franklin County VA Traffic Lawyers Present The Best Route 220 Defense
Our Franklin County attorneys are routinely recognized for superior legal ability and possess high ethical standards. We defend traffic cases every week. This practice allows us to present the best defense. We believe that our clients benefit from this experience. Route 220 enters Franklin County just north of Oak Level and runs through the county for several miles before entering Roanoke County.
Legal Elite Recognizes Top Franklin County Attorney
Virginia Business is dedicated to covering activity in the Franklin County legal community. In cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association, they have been recognizing Top Virginia Attorneys with its Legal Elite Award since 2000. There are over 23,000 legal practitioners in the Commonwealth. Legal Elite recognitions are awarded to approximately 1400 attorneys each year. This is an exclusive list of top rated attorneys who have been recognized for legal excellence. Only outstanding and experienced professionals are recognized for being Legal Elite. A lawyer cannot purchase his or her way in to being recognized as a member of the Virginia Business Legal Elite community. Allow a Franklin County Legal Elite Attorney to review your case.
Franklin VA Lawyers Presenting the Best Traffic Defense
The Franklin County traffic law classifies numerous offenses as traffic law violations. Some offenses are more serious than others. Franklin County traffic violations can be classified as a traffic infraction or a criminal offense. Criminal traffic offenses can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Traffic infractions can either be a demerit point offense or a non-moving offense. The classification of offense depends on the severity of the conduct. If you have been accused of violating any traffic law, then it would be wise to consult an experienced Franklin lawyer. A traffic violation conviction may negatively affect your freedom and your future. CAUTION: A traffic violation will significantly increase the automobile insurance premium according to Insurance.com
“AV Preeminent” Rated Franklin County Attorney• Highest Rating
For over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating the legal ability and ethical standards of lawyers through a Rating system established by judges and attorneys. Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are AV Preeminent® rated Franklin County VA lawyers. The top Martindale-Hubbell rating standard. This is awarded to top rated lawyers who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards. Retain a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated Franklin criminal law & traffic defense firm for your case. Review the law firm’s legal rating and exercise caution before you retain a Franklin County attorney with an inferior rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
Virginia Summons Issued by Franklin County Police for District Court
A common scenario that brings people to the Franklin Courthouse is the issuance of a summons. This is the document issued by the Franklin Sheriff and State Police during a traffic stop. This document is 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 Court in Franklin County. Let our Franklin VA attorneys review your summons. We can develop a defense strategy even if you think you are guilty.
Extensive Specialized Training Make Better Franklin County Advocates
Our Franklin law firm includes members of prestigious legal organizations, such as the the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA). The VTLA’s mission is dedicated to enhancing the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of trial lawyers. We believe membership and leadership with prominent trial lawyer organizations make us better Franklin trial lawyers and advocates for our clients. Criminal and traffic defense attorneys are trial lawyers. Not all lawyers are trial lawyers. It is in your best interests to consult a Franklin VA lawyer with specialized training if you need representation before the Franklin Courts for either a criminal law allegation or a summons for a traffic violation. We will present your best defense!
Retain the Best for Representation in the Franklin County VA Courts
We understand that your case is very important. You want to retain the best lawyer. Finding the best Franklin lawyer for your case can sometimes be challenging. We are the Franklin lawyers that you want on your side. We have the experience, integrity, and expertise you need to protect your rights and to provide quality representation. Our law firm possesses over 60+ years of collective experience, has successfully represented over 30,000+ clients and has been reviewed by more satisfied clients that any other law firm in Franklin County. We will present your best defense.
Sustaining Member National College for Franklin DUI / DWI Defense
The National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) is an organization dedicated to improving the trial skills of DUI / DWI attorneys. NCDD members are the most experienced DUI / DWI defense lawyers. Franklin County DUI / DWI cases are complex because they require an understanding of scientific and legal processes. The legal issues of a DUI / DWI case ranges from search and seizure to complex evidentiary issues. These legal issues intersect in a DUI / DWI case with scientific areas of expertise, such as toxicology and the pseudo-scientific areas of field sobriety testing. Our Franklin County lawyers understand the operations of breath test equipment and other instruments utilized by forensic laboratories in the process of testing for intoxicants.
Out of State Driver Retain Top Franklin County Lawyers
Many motorists in the Franklin community are simply driving through the area on Routes 220, 116 or 122 on their way through the area. Do not ignore your case just because you are not from the area or a Virginia driver. These cases can range from a minor speeding ticket to something more serious that triggered an arrest. Just because you are not from the area does not mean you can ignore an incident that occurred in Franklin County. If convicted, the incident will follow you and be reported back to the home state. We represent residents from North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and other states.
Superb Avvo Rated Attorneys Serving Franklin County
The Avvo Lawyer Rating can help you find the right lawyers in Franklin County. 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 Franklin County law firm maintain a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Avvo collects relevant information from state bar associations, other organizations that license Franklin County 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.
Top Franklin Lawyers Awarded Platinum Client Champion
Our Franklin VA lawyers have been recognized with Martindale-Hubbell’s Platinum Client Champion Award. This prestigious honor recognizes superior attorneys for excellence. This award assists potential clients understand the real world experience previous clients have had with a law firm. Our Franklin County Virginia lawyers maintains a Platinum Rating – the highest rating possible. This award is given to lawyers who have received the highest number of client reviews with a score greater than 4.5/5.0. This award is a testament to the dedication our Franklin lawyers have to client service and a commitment to providing excellent legal representation. The award also recognizes our ability to navigate the legal landscape and obtain positive outcomes for clients.
Retain The Best Franklin County VA Lawyer For Your Case
Finding the best Franklin County VA lawyer for your case is very important but it does not need to be difficult. Take your time with your Franklin County lawyer search. Focus your efforts on finding a Franklin County Virginia lawyer that has dealt with your specific legal issue in the past and that you get along with personally. Taking the time to find the right lawyer for you will be worth it. It is usually best to retain an attorney who has specialized expertise in the practice area that your case requires. (i.e., reckless driving, traffic law, criminal law, etc.). Finally, it is often a good idea to find an attorney familiar with the courts in Franklin County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin County Criminal and Traffic Charges
What court handles criminal and traffic cases in Franklin County?
Many criminal and traffic charges in Franklin County are handled through the Franklin County General District Court or the Franklin County Circuit Court, depending on the type and seriousness of the case. Court procedure, scheduling, and whether the charge is treated as a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or felony can affect how the case should be approached.
Do I need a lawyer for a Franklin County traffic or criminal charge?
It is often helpful to have a lawyer review the charge as early as possible. Even cases that seem minor at first can carry consequences involving license points, insurance increases, a criminal record, jail exposure, or long-term effects on employment and background checks.
Can a Franklin County reckless driving or speeding charge be reduced?
Some charges may be reduced or otherwise resolved more favorably depending on the speed alleged, driving record, facts of the stop, calibration or pacing issues, mitigation, and the overall circumstances of the case. The result depends on the specific facts, the court, and the person’s prior history.
What should I do after being charged in Franklin County?
You should confirm the exact charge, review the court date on the summons or warrant, and avoid assuming that simply paying a fine is the safest option. In many situations, paying the charge is treated as a conviction. Early review can help identify risks and possible defense or mitigation strategies.
Can out-of-state drivers hire a lawyer for a Franklin County traffic case?
Yes. Out-of-state drivers are often charged in Franklin County on roads that bring travelers through the area. The best strategy depends on the exact offense, whether a court appearance is required, and the potential effect of a Virginia conviction on the driver’s home-state record.
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2/21/2025 | Updated 4/15/2026