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

Joshua Blatchley
2 weeks ago
I hired Mr. Well's to help defend me in court for my reckless driving charge in Henrico County, VA, and he helped me get my case fully dismissed. When I was first hit with the charge, I was extremely stressed about the potential consequences for my stupid mistake, but Mr. Wells makes sure to guide you through everything that needs to be done for you to have the best outcome in your case. He was always very professional and explained everything very well and made it easy to understand what needed to be done before court. As long as you follow his advice and do your part in the case, he will do his part and get you the best result possible for you in court. Definitley worth every penny!
Jim Blatchley
2 weeks ago
We hired Riley & Wells for my son's traffic case, which was very serious and Mr. Wells handled his case. Mr. Wells was exceptional and was able to help get the case dismissed for my 20 yr old son. He & his team were great at keeping us informed through several court delays. They really helped my son put together a plan of action that ultimately worked out well. They were well worth every penny that we paid & they definitely earned it along with our respect and gratitude. I highly recommend them for any legal matters that you have, you won't regret it. Thank you Mr. Wells and Amy Hopkins, their Legal Assistant, for your help, professionalism & friendly attitude throughout.
Brian Smith
3 months ago
Riley and Wells law firm was a pleasure to work with and met and beat all expectations! Mr. Wells was great and I'll definitely refer him to anyone who needs representation!

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11/10/2015 | Updated 3/2/2026