Top Franklin County VA Criminal Defense Lawyers • 1500+ Reviews
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established Franklin County VA law firm that specializes in criminal law. Our distinguished Franklin County criminal defense lawyers represent and defend clients who have been charged with violating a criminal offense. We are recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report. The Franklin County law enforcement community is serious about enforcing the law. Many of the cases filed before Franklin County Courts are criminal cases. You can benefit from our experience. We frequently represent clients before the Franklin County Courts. Our firm has been positively reviewed more than any other law firm that defends criminal cases in Franklin County.
Franklin County Defense Services
For broader statewide guidance, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Franklin County
We are top rated lawyers in Franklin County VA that defend criminal cases. Our Franklin County Virginia criminal defense firm has the skill to develop creative solutions to deliver personalized service after specializing in criminal law for over 60 collective years. Criminal trials are a complicated and specialized area of the law. Accomplished Franklin County Criminal Defense Attorneys know that people who are accused of a crime are most worried about losing their freedom and being incarcerated. We understand that people need clear answers to their legal questions as soon as they either become a target of a criminal investigation or are arrested. Retain an experienced lawyer with a track record of success.
Most Rated Lawyer Franklin County Criminal Defense
Franklin County Criminal Lawyers Defending Your Best Interests
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming. If you are being investigated by law enforcement in Franklin County VA or have already been arrested then you need help. The best decision you can make now is to engage the best Franklin County VA criminal defense lawyer to protect you in your time of need. We will zealously represent and defend you through all of the stages of your case. Our Franklin County criminal lawyers successfully defend clients accused of criminal offenses before the Franklin County Courts every week. We believe that clients with criminal cases benefit when their lawyer specializes in criminal defense and regularly represents clients before the same Courts.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend Franklin County Criminal Cases
- Grand Larceny
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Prostitution
- Reckless handling of a firearm
- Reside in a Bawdy House
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Sex Offenses
- Worthless/Bad Checks
- Underage Possession of Alcohol
- Obstruction of Justice
- Conspiracy
- Brandishing a Firearm
- Shoplifting
- Sexual Battery
- Failure To Appear/Capias
- Possession of Marijuana
- Manslaughter
- DUI / DWI
- Petty Larceny
- Probation Violations
- Abduction
- Hit and Run
- False Statement on Firearm Form/Criminal History Consent Form (attempt to purchase/possess offenses)
- Discharging a gun in public
- Felony Offenses
- Misdemeanor Offenses
- Murder
- Protective Order/Violation
- Robbery
- Malicious Wounding
- Assault & Battery
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Solicitation of Prostitution
- Concealed Weapon
- Firearm Offenses
- False Pretenses
- Drugs
- Expungements
- Destruction of Property
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Free Consultation with Top Rated Franklin County Criminal Lawyers
Our Franklin County criminal defense lawyers offer a free no obligation consultation for those individuals who have found themselves in the unfortunate position of having to defend a criminal case. The biggest issues for most are the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average person does not understand how to best defend a criminal case. Our top Franklin County criminal attorneys know the best tactics for obtaining the best results. We spend hours in the Franklin County Courts every week and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who make the arrests. This specialized knowledge is invaluable in order to best defend your criminal case.
Franklin County VA Criminal Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from over 70 practice areas including criminal defense who have attained a high-degree of recognition and achievement. Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers nationwide across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our Franklin County VA criminal lawyers have been recognized as Virginia Super Lawyers since 2009 for criminal defense. No more than five percent of the lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. Retain a Franklin County criminal defense attorney who has been recognized as a Virginia Super Lawyer.
Franklin County Virginia Criminal Trial Courts Are Adversarial
If you have been charged with violating a Franklin County Virginia criminal law, then your case will eventually be set before the Franklin County Courts. Criminal cases are adversarial by design. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the Franklin County Commonwealth Attorneys office 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 case. Depending on the seriousness of the charges, the case may progress through many of the criminal justice system stages. The Judge ultimately evaluates the evidence & arguments and makes a ruling.
Legal Elite Franklin County Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Virginia Business is dedicated to covering legal activity in Franklin County VA. In association with the Bar Association, top rated Virginia attorneys from various practice areas including criminal defense have been recognized as Legal Elite since 2000. There are over 23,000 legal practitioners in the Commonwealth. Legal Elite recognitions are awarded to approximately 1400 lawyers each year. This is an exclusive list of top rated individuals who have been recognized for 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. Retain a Franklin County VA Legal Elite criminal defense lawyer.
Effective Criminal Defense Attorney in Franklin County VA
Criminal cases start with an investigation. The Franklin County Sheriff is the primary law enforcement agency that investigates criminal activity throughout the county. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the Franklin County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. We have the experience, integrity, and expertise you need to protect your rights. We believe that our extensive experience with both of these offices make us better advocates. Do not trust your future with an attorney that either juggles many areas of law or simply does not possess the necessary experience. We are the criminal defense lawyers in Franklin County that you want on your side. NOTE: An arrest is not an automatic prison sentence.
“AV Preeminent” Rated Franklin County VA Criminal Attorneys
For over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating criminal defense lawyers for ability and ethical standards through a rating system established by judges and attorneys. Riley & Wells Attorneys-A-Law are AV Preeminent® rated Franklin County VA criminal defense lawyers. The highest Martindale-Hubbell rating possible. 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 Franklin County VA criminal law office for your case. Review the law firm’s legal rating and exercise caution before you secure representation with a firm for your criminal case that maintains an inferior rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
Superb Franklin County VA Criminal Defense Attorneys
Legal ratings help individuals find the right Franklin County VA criminal defense lawyer. Avvo is a respected organization that can assist those individuals. Derived from the Italian word for lawyer: “avvocato,” Avvo is a legal directory that rates lawyers using a mathematical model on a scale of 1 (Extreme Caution) to 10 (Superb). Our Franklin County VA criminal defense lawyers maintain a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Avvo collects relevant information from state bar associations, other organizations that license legal professionals and thousands of consumers to calculate its rating. The same set of standards is used on all Franklin County criminal lawyers who are evaluated. The Avvo rating is merit based. You cannot pay a fee to improve your Avvo rating. Contact us for a confidential review of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin County Criminal Charges
What types of criminal cases do you handle in Franklin County?
Riley & Wells represents clients charged with a wide range of Franklin County criminal offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. That can include theft offenses, assault and battery, drug charges, probation violations, firearm-related matters, and other allegations that may be heard in the General District Court or Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a Franklin County misdemeanor charge?
Many misdemeanor charges carry consequences that reach far beyond a fine. A conviction can affect a criminal record, employment opportunities, security clearances, professional licensing, and future sentencing exposure. Early review by a defense lawyer can help identify legal defenses, procedural issues, and mitigation options.
Will I have to go to court for a Franklin County criminal charge?
In many cases, yes. Whether a personal appearance is required depends on the exact charge, the stage of the case, and the court’s requirements. It is important not to ignore a summons, warrant, or court date, because failing to appear can create additional legal problems.
Can a Franklin County criminal charge be dismissed or reduced?
Some charges may be dismissed, amended, or resolved more favorably depending on the facts, the available evidence, witness issues, constitutional issues, and the client’s prior record. Every case is different, and the best strategy depends on the exact allegation and the strength of the prosecution’s case.
What should I do after being charged with a crime in Franklin County?
You should confirm the exact charge, preserve any paperwork you received, avoid making statements about the case, and review the court date immediately. The earlier the case is evaluated, the more time there is to investigate the facts, protect helpful evidence, and prepare the strongest defense strategy.
2/22/2025 | Updated 4/15/2026