1. Larry King Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys membership
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, robbery, theft, probation violations, traffic offenses
Background: If you are currently facing criminal allegations, you will need to retain the strong legal guidance of the Newport News criminal defense attorney at the firm. Your future and freedom are at stake as you navigate the complex legal process of handling a criminal case. Larry King is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Virginia State Bar and many other associations that help criminal lawyers maintain excellence in practice. He offers the attentive representation clients need as they pursue complex cases. The firm encourages each individual charged with a crime to gain an understanding of his or her case and exercise constitutionally protected rights, such as remaining silent and retaining legal counsel. These goals can be accomplished through a sound client-lawyer relationship, beginning with a free case evaluation from the firm. The firm serves clients in Newport News, Hampton Roads, and surrounding areas.
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Contact: (888) 700-4151 | https://www.larrykinglaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Hunter Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense serving Hampton Roads since 1986
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, robbery, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: At Hunter Law Firm, they have been protecting the rights of Virginians since 1986. Experienced and aggressive, the criminal defense lawyers are ready to fight for you. Without the assistance of a criminal defense law firm, you may face serious penalties, including costly fines and jail time. They have offices in Hampton, Gloucester, Newport News and Chesapeake Southside where the team of highly qualified attorneys can serve you. At Hunter Law Firm, they have highly respected, experienced criminal defense lawyers ready to vigorously defend clients throughout the Hampton Roads region. Having practiced in this area for decades, they understand the complexities of the Virginia criminal justice system and stay informed about new statutes and legal developments that affect clients. The criminal defense attorneys also have long-standing professional relationships and legal resources that benefit clients.
Location: 12610 Patrick Henry Drive, Suite B, Newport News, VA 23602
Contact: 757-LAW-FIRM (757-529-3476) | https://www.hunterlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Robinson Law, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ years combined experience in Hampton Roads
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent felonies, sex crimes
Background: If you face criminal charges, reach out to a dedicated criminal defense attorney at Robinson Law, PLLC, for immediate assistance. They have a half-century of combined experience handling all types of cases, ranging from first-time DUI arrests to serious violent felonies. The attorneys are both skilled negotiators and impassioned litigators, meaning they can confidently handle your case from beginning to end without interruption. Newport News is one of the more dangerous cities in Virginia. In fact, there are more than 5,500 crimes committed in the city each year. The chances of being involved in a Newport News crime is 1 in 169, which is nearly triple the rate for the rest of the state. As a dedicated Newport News criminal defense law firm, they handle all types of cases including DUI, drug possession, assault, theft, domestic violence, robbery, and sex crimes. They handle cases throughout Hampton Roads, including in Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
Location: Newport News, Virginia (serves Hampton Roads)
Contact: (703) 844-3746 | https://www.callrobinson.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Weisberg & Weisberg, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with specialized practice model for focused representation
Practice Areas: DUI, reckless driving, murder, rape, robbery, assault, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Background: Weisberg & Weisberg, PLLC, offers practical legal guidance to residents of communities throughout Virginia who are experiencing significant challenges in various areas of the law. From criminal traffic matters, such as DUIs and reckless driving, to more serious offenses such as murder, rape and robbery. Because the law is simply too vast for any attorney to truly master all practice areas, the firm has adopted a practice model in which each member focuses his or her attention on a specific area of law. This allows staying on the cutting edge of developments in respective practice areas and providing expert counsel to each and every client represented. Weisberg & Weisberg, PLLC has been representing the citizens of the Hampton Roads area in criminal, family and personal injury matters for several years. They understand the stress and emotion that accompany serious legal challenges, and are known for providing honest, straightforward advice and excellent representation to every client served.
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Contact: (757) 659-9611 | https://www.weisbergattorneys.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available on criminal and personal injury matters
5. Montagna Criminal Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 175+ years combined firm experience serving Hampton Roads
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, reckless driving, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Whether you need representation at a preliminary hearing or trial, the attorneys at Montagna Criminal Law will fight for you in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News or any city or county in Virginia. The law firm has years of legal experience, and they’ll use that experience to negotiate a favorable plea or defend your case before a judge or jury. Anthony graduated from Norfolk Academy in 1986 and attended and graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Practicing since 1993, Anthony has successfully defended individuals charged with serious crimes and traffic offenses like reckless driving and DUI charges. Anthony understands that there is nothing more concerning, stressful, and difficult than knowing that you have been charged with a crime for which you may go to jail. At Montagna Law, the lawyers have over 175 years of combined legal experience.
Location: 4302 Huntington Avenue, Suite A, Newport News, VA 23607
Contact: (757) 625-3500 | https://montagnatrafficlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Virginia
Felony Classifications
Virginia classifies felonies into six classes:
Class 1 Felony: Includes first-degree murder and certain drug kingpin offenses. Penalty is death or life imprisonment.
Class 2 Felony: Includes murder (aggravated) and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalty is 20 years to life imprisonment.
Class 3 Felony: Includes malicious wounding, burglary with weapon, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 5-20 years imprisonment.
Class 4 Felony: Includes embezzlement over $500, manslaughter, and arson. Penalty is 2-10 years imprisonment.
Class 5 Felony: “Wobbler” that can be charged as felony or misdemeanor. Penalty is 1-10 years imprisonment or up to 12 months jail.
Class 6 Felony: “Wobbler” that can be charged as felony or misdemeanor. Penalty is 1-5 years imprisonment or up to 12 months jail.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first offense), assault, and petit larceny. Maximum 12 months jail and $2,500 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes aggressive driving and certain trespass offenses. Maximum 6 months jail and $1,000 fine.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes certain hunting violations. Maximum $500 fine.
Class 4 Misdemeanor: Includes public intoxication. Maximum $250 fine.
Expungement
Virginia’s expungement laws were significantly reformed in 2021:
Automatic Sealing: Certain convictions are automatically sealed after waiting periods (misdemeanors: 7 years, felonies: 10 years, subject to eligibility).
Petition-Based Expungement: Available for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, and certain pardoned convictions.
Not Eligible: Violent felonies, sex offenses, and DUI are generally not eligible for sealing.
DUI Laws
Virginia DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense (Class 1 misdemeanor) carries up to 12 months jail, $250-$2,500 fine, 1-year license suspension, and VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program). Second offense within 5-10 years carries 10 days to 1 year jail (10 days mandatory), $500-$2,500 fine, and 3-year license suspension. Third offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony with 90 days to 5 years imprisonment (90 days mandatory) and indefinite license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Newport News?
Criminal cases in Newport News are handled by multiple courts. Newport News General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Newport News Circuit Court handles felony trials. The Newport News Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles juvenile cases and family-related offenses. These courts serve as Virginia’s 7th Judicial District. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Having a Newport News criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is a “wobbler” offense in Virginia?
In Virginia, Class 5 and Class 6 felonies are “wobblers” that can be punished as either felonies or misdemeanors at the judge’s discretion. If the judge or jury does not specify imprisonment in a state correctional facility, the offense is treated as a misdemeanor. Common wobblers include certain drug offenses, theft crimes, and assault offenses. The prosecutor’s charging decision and the defendant’s criminal history influence the ultimate punishment. A Newport News criminal defense attorney can negotiate for misdemeanor treatment or present mitigating factors to the court.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Virginia?
Virginia reformed drug laws effective July 1, 2021. Simple possession of Schedule I/II controlled substances (including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine) is now a Class 5 misdemeanor with maximum 10 days jail for first offense. Second offense is Class 4 misdemeanor with maximum $250 fine. Third offense is Class 3 misdemeanor with maximum $500 fine. Possession of marijuana (over 1 oz) is a civil penalty. Possession with intent to distribute remains a felony. A Newport News criminal defense attorney can evaluate defenses and alternative sentencing options.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Newport News?
A DUI charge in Newport News carries serious consequences. First offense (Class 1 misdemeanor) carries up to 12 months jail, $250-$2,500 fine, 1-year license suspension, restricted license eligibility after completion of VASAP, and mandatory ignition interlock for high BAC. BAC of .15-.20% adds mandatory 5 days jail. BAC over .20% adds mandatory 10 days jail. Second offense within 5-10 years carries mandatory 10 days jail, $500-$2,500 fine, 3-year license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock. Virginia has an implied consent law with separate refusal penalties. A Newport News criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop and chemical test results.
Can I get my Virginia criminal record expunged?
Virginia reformed expungement laws effective July 2025, now called “sealing” of records. Automatic sealing applies to certain misdemeanor convictions after 7 years and certain felony convictions after 10 years (subject to eligibility criteria). Petition-based expungement remains available for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, and certain pardoned convictions. Not eligible for sealing are Class 1-2 felonies, violent felonies, sex offenses, and DUI. The effect of sealing is that records are hidden from most background checks. A Newport News criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility under the new laws.