Mitchell M. Wells


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Mitchell M. Wells Riley and Wells Attorneys-At-Law lawyersMitchell M. Wells is a Virginia lawyer that specializes in area of criminal law, which includes firearms law, DUI/DWI, reckless driving, traffic law and record relief matters. He has successfully represented and defended thousands of clients and is repeatedly recognized for his legal skill, ability, achievement and ethics by the publications of Virginia Super Lawyers and Richmond Magazine. He also holds an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a rating of “Superb” from AVVO, each organization’s highest legal rating for ethical standards and legal ability.

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Additionally, other various legal organizations annually award top honors for his legal ability. Prior to entering private practice several years ago, Mr. Wells served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Wells served as a Virginia State Trooper for eight years and was a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Robert E. Payne, Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia. As a former State Trooper, he investigated thousands of criminal, drug, DUI/DWI, reckless driving, traffic and accident cases; was rated “exceptional” by the Virginia State Police; and he received 23 commendations for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Wells was certified by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science as a Breath Test Operator, and by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as a Crime Prevention Specialist, General Instructor, R.A.D.A.R. operator, V.A.S.C.A.R. operator, and to administer the NHTSA standardized field sobriety tests.

Practice Areas

  • Criminal Law
  • Firearms Law & Rights Restoration
  • Driving While Intoxicated
  • Reckless Driving
  • Traffic Violations
  • Record Relief

Education

  • William and Mary School of Law, J.D.
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, M.P.A.
  • Virginia Military Institute, B.A.

Admitted

  • Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

Member

  • Virginia State Bar
  • Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Richmond Criminal Bar Association
  • Virginia Citizens Defense League
  • VA Defenses

Published

Continuing Legal Education

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  • Annual VTLA Criminal Law Seminars
  • Understanding the Virginia Sealing Criminal Records Statute
  • NCDD Summer Sessions, Harvard Law School
  • The Art of Persuasion: Painting Powerful Images In DUI/DWI Cases
  • Virginia Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
  • Defending Serious Traffic Cases: Smart Strategy, Creative Tactics
  • Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI/DWI Cases
  • The Criminal Defense Trial From Start To Finish
  • Defense of Serious Traffic Cases in Virginia
  • EC/IR II Seminar – Technological & Medical Defenses
  • Virginia Trial Lawyers Annual Conventions

Recognitions & Professional Distinctions

Honors 2024
Honors 2016-2023
Honors 2014-2015
Honors 2010-2013

Client Reviews

Sarthak Shetty
I had an excellent experience with Riley & Wells, specifically working with Mr. Mitch Wells, for a speeding charge I received in Virginia while living out of state in North Carolina.

From the very beginning, Mr. Wells was polite, understanding, and reassuring. Thanks to his efforts, my charge was ultimately reduced to a non-moving violation. Also, I did not have to appear in court, as Mr.Wells handled everything on my behalf.

Throughout the entire process, Mr. Wells was highly responsive and always available to answer my questions and address any concerns. He clearly cares for his clients. Not only is he a good lawyer, but he is also a good person.
I’d also like to mention his assistant, Amy, who was helpful and efficient in keeping communication smooth and timely.

I highly recommend Riley & Wells to anyone dealing with traffic tickets in Virginia.
Leigh Carter
Hit and run x2 1-felony 2-misdemeanor
Outcome was charges dropped for both with one online 8 hour driving class. Mr. Wells experience and knowledge of the law shined throughout both cases. His ability to navigate the courts and to educate me was invaluable given the amount of anxiety this process could have caused. Anxiety was present but much less severe than expected. Mr. Wells and Ms. Hopkins are both amazing professionals and the money was well spent.
AC M
I would highly recommend this law firm. I recently had an out-of-state traffic charge relating to the "move over law". Mr. Wells represented me, and appeared on my behalf, saving me multiple trips back to VA. He was very professional, knowledgeable, responsive and attentive to all of my questions throughout the process. I was never left waiting or wondering what my next steps should be while going through this serious and highly stressful situation. Everyone I worked with in the firm was friendly and helpful. Attorney Wells worked to get my case dismissed, which is typically very difficult to do in this situation.

Let us review your case today. We can help!
11/10/2015 | Updated 3/2/2026