2024
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Lynchburg 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.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.0
(4)
Why choose this provider?
Kirstein Law Office is a Lynchburg-based private practice that defends clients charged with crimes. Attorney Kirstein is a 1977 graduate of the University of Virginia Law School who opened his private practice in 1979, since when he's defended many people who have been charged with felonies and misdemeanors. He has secured favorable verdicts in cases involving domestic violence, assault, public intoxication, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Sid Kirstein - Principal | active | 55 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0
(7)
Why choose this provider?
Wyer Law PLC is a criminal lawyer in Lynchburg. The firm works on both initial and appeals cases. It provides support to those charged with reckless driving, DUI and DWI offenses, drug possession, and concealed weapons as well as brandishing weapons. The firm works to achieve the best outcome for the client and ensuring justice is served. Additional crimes Wyer Law defends, include obstruction of justice, property destruction, trespass, and assault and battery. Wyer Law also handles immigration cases.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Noah Wyer - Principal | active | 55 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Steven D. McFadgen Sr. Counselor & Attorney At Law is a Lynchburg-based law firm that practices criminal law in and around Campbell and Bedford counties. The attorney has particular experience representing clients charged with assault, battery, drug possession, traffic violations, and DUI. Attorney McFadgen is licensed to advocate in Virginia's state courts, federal courts for the Eastern and Western Districts, and the Supreme Court. He is a member of the Virginia and National Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Steven Mcfadgen - Principal | Active | 13 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.2
(13)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Pamela Witt Willoughby Esp. PLLC. defends clients accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses. This firm is experienced with the trial process and consults clients to prepare defense arguments on their behalf. Crimes involving traffic offenses, drug offenses, violence, and probation violations are common practice areas for this firm. The Law Office of Pamela Witt Willoughby Esp. PLLC. works to ensure that client rights are protected, and sometimes it negotiates plea deals for more lenient sentencing.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Pamela Willoughby - Principal | active | 55 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- FindLaw
- 5.0
(3)
Why choose this provider?
Mark B. Arthur PC is a criminal defense attorney in Lynchburg with a proven track record of defending clients against serious criminal and DUI charges. Mr. Arthur has been practicing law since 1998 and served four years as a prosecutor, giving him a unique perspective that he uses to the advantage of his clients. His scope of practice includes drunk driving charges, drug offenses, domestic violence and neglect, and traffic violations.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Mark Arthur - Principal | Active | 27 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Craig P. Tiller Esq. PLLC near Lynchburg provides personalized and dedicated criminal defense services for clients facing criminal charges throughout Central Virginia. Tiller has more than 25 years of experience in the legal sector, helping clients stand up for their rights and liberties against charges such as DUI/DWI, assault and battery, boating under the influence, theft and fraud, weapons charges, and drug trafficking and possession. Additional practice areas include personal injury and family law.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Craig Tiller - Principal | Active | 33 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0
(1)
Why choose this provider?
James J. Angel, Attorney at Law represents clients in the court system, advocating for those accused of crimes. This firm handles a general assortment of crimes at the misdemeanor and felony levels, arguing to defend clients at trial and protect their rights from being violated. It can also set up plea deals for clients that are unlikely to succeed at trial. James J. Angel, Attorney at Law assists clients with the appeals process too.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
James Angel - Principal | Active | 46 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0
(31)
- Yelp
- 5.0
(1)
Why choose this provider?
Neill Wente, Attorney at Law, is a criminal lawyer near Lynchburg. This veteran-owned practice, founded in 2015, offers sound and effective counsel and representation to clients seeking help with criminal or traffic court charges. Mr. Wente is a former prosecutor and experienced litigator who has tried dozens of cases to verdict in the civilian and military court systems. He has eight year of experience as a judge advocate and helps clients facing administrative action and court martial hearings.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Neill Wente - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Compare our Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kirstein Law Office | 1319 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, VA24502 | View More | ||
Wyer Law, PLC | 700 12th Street, Lynchburg, VA24504 | View More | ||
Steven D. McFadgen, Sr. Counselor & Attorney At Law | 3831 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg, VA24501 | View More | ||
The Law Office of Pamela Witt Willoughby, Esq., PLLC | 717 Clay St 2nd floor, Lynchburg, VA24504 | View More | ||
Mark B. Arthur, PC. | 715 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA24504 | View More | ||
Craig P. Tiller, Esq., PLLC | 15421 Forest Road Suite D, Forest, VA | View More | ||
James J. Angel - Attorney at Law | 210 8th Street, Lynchburg, VA24504 | View More | ||
Neill Wente, Attorney at Law | 4714 Forest Road, Bedford, VA24523 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lynchburg, Virginia?
434-847-1602 is the non-emergency contact number for the Lynchburg Police Department.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lynchburg, Virginia?
You can obtain a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case from the Lynchburg Police Department’s Records Unit. Accomplish the Incident Request Form (https://www.lynchburgvapolice.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Incident-Request-Form-1.pdf) and submit it in person or through the mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lynchburg Police Department Records Unit, Public Safety Building, West Building, 905 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504. You may contact the Records Unit at 434-455-6069 five days after submission to check your report release status.
What are the penalties for a misdemeanor offense in Lynchburg?
The penalties for a misdemeanor offense in Lynchburg depend on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanor charges are classified into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious offense and Class 4 being the least.
- Class 1: up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500
- Class 2: up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000
- Class 3: may not involve jail time, but a maximum fine of $500
- Class 4: no jail time, but a maximum fine of $250
What are some examples of a felony offense in Lynchburg?
Felonies are considered to be the most serious crime in Lynchburg. They are divided into six classes, with Class 1 being the most serious and Class 6 being the least. Some examples of felony crimes include:
- Class 1: murder, rape, serious financial crimes, assault
- Class 2: bigamy, manslaughter
- Class 3: drug possession, burglary offenses, sex crimes
- Class 4: human trafficking, gun offenses
- Class 5: Less serious drug possession and sex crimes
- Class 6: identity theft, fraud
What are the penalties for a felony charge in Lynchburg?
The penalties for a felony offense in Lynchburg will depend on the severity of the criminal charge. The possible punishments for felony charges include:
- Class 1: life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
- Class 2: 20 years to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
- Class 3: five to 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
- Class 4: two to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000
- Class 5: one to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,500
- Class 6: one to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,500
Can you still own a gun after being convicted of a felony in Lynchburg?
If you have been convicted of a felony in Lynchburg, you will no longer be allowed by law to possess any type of firearm. However, you can set up a gun trust with the help of a criminal defense lawyer. A gun trust can protect your firearms and prevent you from violating the terms of your sentence while serving parole or probation.
What penalties can you face after being charged with a first DUI offense in Lynchburg?
If you are charged with your first DUI offense in Lynchburg, you will face a minimum of five days in jail if your BAC is .15 or higher and a minimum of 10 days in jail if your BAC is .20 or higher. Your driver's license will also be suspended for one year, and you will be fined $250. Additionally, the court may order you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for at least six months.
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circ*mstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.
How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?
Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
Misdemeanors
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
- Reckless driving
Felonies
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Specific types of fraud
- Possession of certain types of drugs
What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?
The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circ*mstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.
Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circ*mstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.
Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?
Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circ*mstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.
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