Criminal Defense Attorneys in Richmond, VA
Richmond DUI, drug, and assault charges move through the city’s courts quickly, and early defense matters. A Virginia-licensed criminal defense attorney handling Richmond cases will review your charges for free.
- Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
- Matched with a Virginia attorney in 24 hours
- 30,000+ plaintiffs served nationwide
Free Richmond criminal defense case review
A Virginia attorney will take a look. Or call 1-833-WELEGAL.
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How we match your Richmond criminal defense case
When you submit a Richmond criminal defense matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.
Case type
A criminal defense matter needs someone who handles criminal defense work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.
Size and complexity
Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.
Jurisdiction and licensing
Your matter is decided under Virginia law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Virginia who regularly appears where your case would be heard.
Capacity and fit
Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.
Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.
DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.
Criminal Defense cases in Richmond
More about legal help in Richmond →Richmond police and state agencies handle a high volume of arrests, from DUI and drug cases along I-95 to assault, theft, and firearm charges downtown and near campus. Charges are prosecuted in Richmond’s own general district and circuit courts, with their own judges and prosecutors distinct from Henrico and Chesterfield. Virginia sentencing can be severe, and convictions affect employment, security clearances, and driving privileges, so early defense work matters. DearLegal matches you with a Virginia-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Richmond, with a free review.
- Criminal charges from Richmond are prosecuted in the city’s own district and circuit courts.
- Traffic and DUI enforcement on I-95 and I-64 accounts for many arrests in Richmond.
- State employees and clearance holders in Richmond face career consequences from even minor convictions.
Virginia criminal defense rules at a glance
Richmond cases run under Virginia law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Virginia page.
Read the full Virginia criminal defense guide →- Felony Statute of Limitations
No code
No limit for felonies (Va. Code § 19.2-8(B) — Virginia has no general statute of limitations for felonies)
- Misdemeanor Statute of Limitations
1 year
1 year for most misdemeanors (§ 19.2-8); 2 years for petit larceny, embezzlement, fraud-related; longer for certain offenses
- Sentencing Structure
85%
Felony Classes 1-6 and Misdemeanor Classes 1-4 under § 18.2-10, 18.2-11; Virginia Sentencing Guidelines (advisory); parole abolished 1995 (Truth-in-Sentencing — 85%+ service); mandatory minimums for use of firearm in felony (§ 18.2-53.1), certain drug, and habitual offender enhancements
- Expungement / Record Sealing
Va. Code § 19.2-392.2
Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 — expungement limited to acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi (must show "manifest injustice" or that retention would be unfair). 2021 reforms (Chapter 524) expanded automatic sealing of certain marijuana convictions. 2025 expanded sealing framework (HB 2113 / Chapter 524 of 2021 implementation continuing).
- Bail / Pretrial Release
Bail
Bail under § 19.2-120 et seq.; constitutional right to bail with exceptions (Va. Const. Art. I, § 9); rebuttable presumptions against bail for certain serious offenses; magistrate bond determination
- Typical attorney fee
Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee
Exhibit D
How much do Richmond criminal defense attorneys cost?
Typical fee schedule
Virginia · Criminal Defense
Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.
Criminal Defense matters in Virginia are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.
Criminal defense attorneys in Virginia work on hourly or flat-fee retainers — contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases under Va. R. Prof. Conduct 1.5(d) and ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Misdemeanors and most felonies are flat-fee; complex cases (federal, capital, white-collar) use hourly billing. The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission and circuit public defender offices represent indigent defendants.
A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.
Exhibit F
Richmond criminal defense questions, answered
Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Virginia attorney will review it for free.
Criminal Defense attorneys by city in Virginia
Same Virginia rules and the same attorneys — with what’s local to each city.
