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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chesapeake

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chesapeake Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

183Reviewed

115Curated

14Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

652 Independence Pkwy Ste 120, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (103)
Avvo
4.9 (45)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

James E. Short PLC is a full-service law firm serving the Chesapeake area. Short has over 20 years of experience offering criminal defense services. As a former prosecutor, the outstanding criminal justice attorney in Chesapeake has first-hand knowledge of how the Commonwealth of Virginia builds criminal cases. The legal team defends a range of cases, including violent offenses, traffic violations, and DUI. The law firm has racked up numerous awards and recognitions from agencies, including the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Short - Owneractive55 yrs

638 Independence Pkwy Ste 240, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (211)
Google
5.0 (121)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Mark A. Andrews, PLC is a law firm based in Chesapeake. It offers criminal defense services to clients accused of crimes such as DUI, burglary, assault, and domestic violence. The firm also assists clients facing charges of white-collar crimes, embezzlement, and forgery. Founding attorney Mark A. Andrews previously worked as a criminal prosecutor, which provides him with extensive insight into how prosecutors construct cases and how to defend his clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Andrews - PrincipalActive22 yrs

3508 Robs Dr, Suffolk, VA 23434

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Johnson, Gardy, & Teumer, Attorneys and Counselors at Law, is a law firm located in Suffolk. The firm defends clients facing criminal charges. Its attorneys also have experience in insurance liability, medical malpractice, elder law, civil litigation, real estate, personal injury law, business law, wills, and estates. Attorney Teumer is licensed to practice law in Virginia and Columbia, with experience in federal and state courts. Attorney Gardy has practiced law for over 45 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jesse Johnson - Partneractive55 yrs
Jeffrey Gardy - Partneractive55 yrs

840 Greenbrier Cir Ste 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (181)
Facebook
4.7 (14)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Shannon & Associates PC is a law firm that offers criminal defense services to those in Chesapeake and the surrounding area. Founder Kristen M. Shannon was admitted to the Florida State Bar in 2005, and the Virginia State Bar in 2007. The firm takes on criminal cases including felonies and misdemeanors, traffic offenses, violent crimes, and drug cases. It also offers parole and probation representation, as well as family law services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kristen Shannon - Principal / Owneractive55 yrs

828 Greenbrier Pkwy Ste 210, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (99)
Google
4.4 (39)
Facebook
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Dunnigan Law is a DUI and criminal defense firm serving Chesapeake and the surrounding area. Attorney Brian Dunnigan defends a range of criminal charges, including cases of DUI, traffic violations, and drug possession. This small firm believes strongly in communicating with clients and keeping them informed throughout stressful and complicated legal processes. As a highly skilled criminal lawyer in Chesapeake, Mr. Dunnigan has years of experience defending criminal cases with a strong record of achieving dismissals or acquittals.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Brian Dunnigan - OwnerActive21 yrs

2200 Dunbarton Dr Ste B, Chesapeake, VA 23325

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Eric O. Moody and Associates PC is based in Hampton Roads, with offices in Portsmouth and Chesapeake. The firm is passionate about military law and has been operating since 1976. Its attorneys have experience handling a variety of cases, from minor infractions to capital murder. It represents adult and juvenile clients in criminal, civil, and traffic cases. Attorney Eric O. Moody is a member of the South Hampton Roads Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Eric Moody - Senior Partneractive55 yrs
Elliott Moody - Partneractive55 yrs

308 George Washington Hwy N, Suite 1, Chesapeake, VA 23323

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (61)
Facebook
4.2 (6)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Slaven Law Group Attorneys at Law caters to the people of Chesapeake and the surrounding areas. The office defends those who have been falsely detained or accused, providing them with the assistance they need to pursue justice and freedom. It deals with felony and misdemeanor offenses such as burglary, domestic violence, firearm violations, drug possession, and assault. Ronald D. Slaven, Jr., the firm's principal lawyer, is a litigator who has been practicing law since 2010.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Ronald Slaven - Principalactive55 yrs
Ronald Slaven - PrincipalActive15 yrs

220 Mount Pleasant Rd Ste 102, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Aloupas Law is a legal practice in the Chesapeake area that provides criminal defense services. The law firm assists clients accused of a wide variety of crimes, including domestic violence, white-collar crime, driving under the influence, and various felonies. Additionally, Aloupas Law handles matters involving divorce, child custody, and spousal and child support. Founding attorney Lu Aloupas is a member of the Chesapeake Bar Association and the Virginia Women Attorneys Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Carmelou Aloupas - PrincipalActive15 yrs

200 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Bush & Taylor PC is a criminal defense law firm serving clients across the Chesapeake metro area. With more than 30 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Bush & Taylor defend those accused of homicide, assault and battery, larceny, sex offenses, and traffic violations. The topnotch criminal defense attorneys in Chesapeake also handle family law, personal injury, and military law. Managing partner Justin Bush has a Martindale-Hubbell BV Distinguished Rating and has been listed in Super Lawyers for four consecutive years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Justin Bush - Founding and Managing Partneractive55 yrs
Brandon Matthews - Partneractive55 yrs
Fred Taylor - Partneractive55 yrs

505 Independence Pkwy Ste 220, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (14)
Avvo
2.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Wooten Law Group PLC is a law firm based in Chesapeake. The firm defends clients in criminal defense cases, with a focus on delivering fair, efficient resolutions. On the firm's staff is attorney Kenneth Jacobson, who concentrates on criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar. In addition to criminal defense, the firm assists with legal matters such as adoptions, estate planning, and business law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kristi Wooten - Managing Partneractive55 yrs

28319 Southampton Pkwy Suite B, Courtland, VA 23837
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (14)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Randall, Page & Bruch, PC, Attorneys at Law, serves people throughout Chesapeake. It protects defendants' rights by providing them with aggressive legal representation in cases involving assault and battery, DUI, drug, sex, and white-collar crimes. Its team builds a strong defense to help clients obtain a case dismissal, reduced bail, or reduced charges. Jack T. Randall, one of the firm's attorneys, is a former prosecutor and police officer. He is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association's Ethics Committee.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

780 Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (25)
Facebook
5.0 (7)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

For over 20 years, David M. Good, Attorney at Law, has been litigating cases for clients throughout Chesapeake. He represents individuals in federal and state courts and works on criminal law cases involving various matters, including domestic violence. Good checks police records and examines crime scenes to prepare for trials. He also guides clients through the process of expunging criminal charges. Good serves as a member of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He once worked as a trooper under the Virginia State Police.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

524 Albemarle Drive, Suite 200, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (46)
Facebook
4.7 (23)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Parks Zeigler, PLLC, is a legal practice with three branches in Virginia, including one in Chesapeake. The team represents individuals charged with criminal violations, including drug possession, theft, and domestic assault. It also handles family law, cybersecurity, and personal injury matters. Kellam T. Parks founded the firm in 2012 after leaving a large firm to pursue his plans of integrating modern technologies into law. It uses cloud-based systems to allow immediate and remote access for both attorneys and clients.

  • DUI with Injury
  • Assault Crimes
  • Drug Crimes

392 Battlefield Blvd S Ste 202, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (54)
Google
4.7 (45)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Robert L. Wegman PLC is the Charlotte-based office of criminal defense attorney Robert Wegman. He provides legal representation in cases involving illegal drugs, rape, domestic assault/battery, and probation violations. The office provides legal services for felony and misdemeanor criminal cases and has experienced criminal defense traffic lawyers who handle reckless driving, DUI/DWI, and speeding cases. As a former JAG attorney, Mr. Wegman also handles military defense cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Wegman - PrincipalActive23 yrs

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chesapeake, Virginia?

    You may contact the Chesapeake Police Department at 757-382-6161.

  • What are the most common crimes that defense attorneys in Chesapeake usually handle?

    There are different kinds of crimes that Chesapeake defense attorneys handle. Since the Virginia criminal code is extensive, the offenses are broken down into several categories. The following are the most common criminal cases:

    • Assault
    • DUI
    • Domestic violence
    • Drug charges
    • Traffic charges
    • Gun charges
    • Prostitution
    • Sex crimes
    • Solicitation
    • Speeding tickets
  • How can a Chesapeake defense attorney help you when you are faced with a criminal charge?

    Criminal defense attorneys in Chesapeake can help you by conducting a full investigation and assessment of your case and determining if there were any violated rights during your arrest. Additionally, they will also analyze the prosecution's evidence with the goal to undermine their arguments. This strategy will help you reduce your sentence or obtain an acquittal. The defense lawyers will also negotiate a plea deal or settlement on your behalf.

  • What are the penalties for crimes committed in Chesapeake?

    Penalties for crimes committed in the Chesapeake area depend on their classification. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a fine of up to $2,500 or potentially prison time if the misdemeanor is Class 1 or Class 2. Felony convictions, which range from Class 1 to Class 6, carry heavier consequences, including substantial fines and incarceration. Those with past convictions or crimes committed under unusual circumstances may face higher punishments for specific offenses involving police officers or children.

  • Can police officers in Chesapeake search your property when you are allegedly accused of a crime?

    Yes, police officers in Chesapeake can scour your property, such as your house, car, and clothes, when you allegedly committed a crime. However, they are required to secure a search warrant first before doing it. The search warrant restricts the officers' scope of the search and defines what evidence they are looking for.

  • What should you do to avoid losing your probation or parole privileges in Chesapeake?

    There are certain conditions that the Virginia Parole Board gives when you are released for probation or parole in Chesapeake. If you violate any of those terms, the board will reinstate your sentence or give you a harsher punishment. The following are some of the things that you need to do to keep your privileges:

    • Regular meetings with a parole officer
    • Community service
    • Travel, job resignation, residence change approval from your parole officer
    • Attending drug/alcohol programs
    • Not traveling outside Virginia