Top Rated Norfolk VA Criminal Defense Lawyers • 1500+ Reviews
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are established Norfolk VA criminal defense lawyers that specialize in criminal law. Our Norfolk VA 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 Norfolk law enforcement community is serious about enforcing the law. Many of the cases filed before Norfolk Courts are criminal cases. You can benefit from our experience. Let us review your case. We frequently represent clients before the Norfolk Courts. Our firm has been positively reviewed more than any other law firm that defends criminal cases in Norfolk. We can help!
Norfolk Defense Services
- Norfolk VA Overview
- Norfolk DUI / DWI Lawyer
- Norfolk Reckless Driving Lawyer
- Norfolk Speeding Ticket Lawyer
- Norfolk Traffic Lawyer
For broader statewide guidance, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Norfolk
We are top rated lawyers in Norfolk VA that defend criminal cases. Our Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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. You can benefit from our experience. Retain an experienced lawyer with a track record of success.
Defense Counsel for Norfolk VA Criminal Cases
Norfolk Criminal Lawyers Dedicated to Defending Your Best Interests
The criminal justice system can be overwhelming. If you are being investigated by law enforcement in Norfolk VA or have already been arrested then your prior acts may have been illegal. The best decision you can make now is to engage the best Norfolk 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 Norfolk VA criminal lawyers successfully defend clients accused of criminal offenses before the Norfolk 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 Norfolk Judges every week.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend Norfolk VA 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
- Felony Offenses
- Sexual Battery
- Failure To Appear/Capias
- Possession of Marijuana
- Manslaughter
- Gun in Airport
- DUI / DWI
- Petit 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
- 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 Norfolk VA Criminal Lawyers
Our Norfolk 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 Norfolk criminal case. Our top rated experienced Norfolk VA criminal attorneys know the best tactics for obtaining the best results. We spend hours in the Norfolk 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.
What are the most common criminal charges in Norfolk?
Violent / Person Crimes
- Assault & battery
- Domestic assault
- Malicious wounding
Property Crimes
- Petit larceny
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Destruction of property
Drug Offenses
- Possession (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, pills)
- Possession with intent
- Distribution charges
Gun Offenses
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Use of a firearm in a felony
- Concealed carry violations
Traffic-Related Crimes
- DUI/DWI
- Hit & run
- Reckless driving
Norfolk VA Criminal Attorneys Recognized by Virginia 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 Norfolk 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. This recognition is merit based. Retain a Norfolk VA criminal defense attorney who has been recognized as a Virginia Super Lawyer.
Norfolk Defense Library
Norfolk Virginia Criminal Trial Courts Are Adversarial
If you have been charged with violating a Norfolk Virginia criminal law, then your case will eventually be set before the Norfolk Courts. Criminal cases are adversarial by design. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the Norfolk 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 arguments and evidence. Depending on the seriousness of the charges, the case may progress through many of the criminal justice system stages. The Norfolk Judge ultimately evaluates the evidence & arguments and makes a ruling.
Legal Elite Norfolk Criminal Defense Lawyer
Virginia Business is dedicated to covering legal activity in Norfolk 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 by their peers 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 Norfolk VA Legal Elite criminal defense lawyer.
Effective Criminal Defense Attorney in Norfolk VA
Criminal cases start with an investigation. The Norfolk Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency that investigates criminal activity throughout the city. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the Norfolk 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 Norfolk that you want on your side. NOTE: An arrest is not an automatic prison sentence.
“AV Preeminent” Rated Norfolk VA Criminal Attorneys
For over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating legal professionals for ability and ethical standards through a Rating system established by judges and attorneys. Riley & Wells Attorneys-A-Law are AV Preeminent® rated Norfolk VA criminal defense lawyers. 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 Norfolk VA criminal lawyer for your case. Review the law firm’s legal rating and exercise caution before you secure representation with a Norfolk criminal defense firm that maintains an inferior rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
Retain The Best Norfolk VA Criminal Defense Lawyer
Finding the best Norfolk VA criminal defense lawyer for your case is very important but it does not need to be difficult. Take your time with your criminal lawyer search. Focus your efforts on finding a Norfolk Virginia criminal defense attorney 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 a criminal defense attorney who has specialized expertise with defending Norfolk criminal cases. Finally, it is often a good idea to find a criminal attorney familiar with the Norfolk Virginia courts.
Norfolk Criminal Attorneys Defending Your Constitutional Rights
It is very important that you understand the various rights that the U.S. Constitution provides you if you have been accused of a Norfolk VA criminal offense. Certain parts of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights have had a major impact on the criminal justice system. Specifically, the fourth, fifth and sixth amendments of the Constitution have particular importance for those who have been accused of a crime. Our responsibility as your Norfolk VA criminal defense lawyer will be to assert and protect those rights at every stage of your case. This area of constitutional law is virtually impossible to learn without the assistance of a top rated professional.
Top Norfolk Criminal Lawyers Platinum Champion Award
Our Norfolk criminal lawyers have been recognized with Martindale-Hubbell’s Platinum Client Champion Award. This prestigious honor recognizes superior criminal defense attorneys for excellence. This award assists potential clients understand the real world experience previous clients have had with a criminal defense firm. Our Norfolk VA criminal defense lawyers maintain a Platinum Rating – the highest rating possible. This 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 the dedication our Norfolk VA criminal 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. Contact us for a confidential case review of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Norfolk Criminal Charges
What court handles criminal charges in Norfolk?
Many Norfolk criminal charges begin in the Norfolk General District Court at 150 St. Paul’s Boulevard. More serious felony matters and appealed cases may proceed in the Norfolk Circuit Court. Juvenile matters and certain family-related criminal cases may be handled in the Norfolk Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Do all Norfolk criminal charges carry the same consequences?
No. The possible consequences depend on the exact charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, the facts alleged by law enforcement, and a person’s prior record when relevant. Some charges may carry exposure beyond a fine, including jail, probation, license consequences, or a permanent criminal record.
What should I review before my Norfolk court date?
It helps to review the summons, warrant, or court notice, the exact charge, the code section if listed, the court named on the paperwork, and the date of the hearing. Writing down what happened while the facts are still fresh can also be helpful.
Can a Norfolk criminal case be serious even if it seems minor at first?
Yes. Charges that initially seem minor can still carry significant consequences depending on the allegation, the evidence, and how the case is resolved. That is one reason it helps to have the paperwork and facts reviewed early rather than making assumptions based only on the name of the charge.
What if I live outside Norfolk or outside Virginia?
You should still take the charge seriously. A Norfolk criminal case does not become less important because you live elsewhere. Missing court or misunderstanding the charge can create additional problems, so it is important to confirm the court, date, and next steps as early as possible.
5/17/2024 | Updated 4/3/2026