1. Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience including public defender and prosecutor background
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, theft, assault, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Success in criminal defense takes more than knowledge of the law. It takes dedication to every client and a determination to pursue the strongest possible outcome under the circumstances. The firm’s results show what that level of work can achieve: real people getting second chances and the fair treatment they are due under Virginia law. At the Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C., the focus is on one thing only: defending people accused of crimes in Virginia. That level of focus matters when your future is on the line. Attorney Galanides has spent more than 30 years working in criminal courts. He began his career as a public defender. Later, he became a prosecutor and appellate attorney, which gave him firsthand knowledge of how the state builds its cases and how to take them apart. The firm is based in Richmond and represents clients across Central Virginia in local, state, and federal courts.
Location: Richmond, Virginia (serves Central Virginia)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.vadefensecounsel.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. William J. Dinkin, PLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive trial experience and white collar crime specialty
Practice Areas: White collar crimes, DUI, reckless driving, federal crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, tax evasion, embezzlement
Background: People who want an experienced, strategic lawyer with a long record of success turn to William J. Dinkin in Richmond, Virginia. Bill is respected throughout the region for his effectiveness in negotiation and at trial. Due to his extensive experience and strong reputation in the legal community, William J. Dinkin is recognized as Virginia Superlawyers in White Collar Criminal Defense from 2006 to Present and Best Lawyers in America in Criminal Defense: White Collar from 2016 to Present. Mr. Dinkin teaches advanced trial advocacy and ethics in criminal litigation as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Richmond and is a frequent lecturer on criminal law at legal seminars. He has also published legal articles in journals such as the University of Richmond Law Review and the Virginia Bar Association Journal. The firm also includes Michael C. Moore, who served as an Assistant United States Attorney for over 22 years.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Contact: (804) 658-5373 | https://www.dinkinlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Whaley Paules, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years experience and 450+ jury trials
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, DUI, federal crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes
Background: At Whaley Paules, LLC, the firm understands what criminal charges can do to someone’s future. They’ve helped Virginia residents defend their rights for over four decades. When the attorneys take a case, they’re in to win. The firm defends individuals in state and federal court against a variety of criminal charges. In any criminal case, the prosecution must prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The attorneys will not sit idly by while the prosecutor makes their case. The proactive, aggressive approach to defense leaves no option unexplored. The founding attorney, C. David Whaley, has tried over 450 jury trials. The firm knows once you’re in court, preparation goes a long way. From the convenient office in downtown Richmond, Whaley Paules, LLC represents Virginians in federal and state courts statewide and even across the United States.
Location: Downtown Richmond, Virginia (serves statewide and nationwide)
Contact: (804) 643-0147 | https://www.davidwhaleylaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Janus & Stone, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience and collaborative approach
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes
Background: Have you been charged with a crime? The criminal defense attorney in Richmond, VA, has 20+ years of experience in criminal law cases. The attorney is knowledgeable about the laws and procedures of the Richmond criminal court system and is prepared to vigorously defend your rights. The firm takes a collaborative approach to criminal defense. They understand that each case is unique and that the defense strategy is tailored to the individual needs of clients. They work closely with clients to ensure that they are provided with the legal representation. The firm strives to provide clients with the most effective defense strategy possible, while also providing them with the emotional support and guidance they need during this difficult time. At Janus & Stone, P.C., the experienced and knowledgeable attorney is there to provide the legal representation you need when faced with criminal charges.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Contact: (804) 265-4441 | https://www.jslawpc.com/
Consultation: Initial consultation available
5. Jacqueline M. Reiner, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense and family law with personal attorney-client relationship
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, family law
Background: “At Jacqueline M. Reiner, PLLC – When you hire me, you get me. Clients work directly with me at all times. My clients count on me to be personally available to them and to personally handle each and every aspect of their cases each and every step of the way and that is the service Jacqueline M. Reiner, PLLC, provides. That is what differentiates Jacqueline M. Reiner, PLLC, from other law firms.” This personal approach to legal representation means clients always know who is handling their case and can reach their attorney directly. Based in Richmond, Jacqueline M. Reiner, PLLC accepts inquiries by phone and via email through the website. The firm provides dedicated criminal defense representation with personal attention to each client’s unique situation.
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Contact: (804) 548-4457 | https://www.reinerlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Virginia
Felony Classifications
Virginia classifies felonies into six classes:
Class 1 Felony: Includes capital murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
Class 2 Felony: Includes first-degree murder (non-capital), aggravated malicious wounding. Penalty is 20 years to life imprisonment.
Class 3 Felony: Includes second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and burglary with deadly weapon. Penalty is 5-20 years imprisonment.
Class 4 Felony: Includes manslaughter, arson of occupied dwelling, and kidnapping. Penalty is 2-10 years imprisonment.
Class 5 Felony: Includes extortion, involuntary manslaughter, and certain drug distribution. Penalty is 1-10 years imprisonment OR up to 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine (at court’s discretion).
Class 6 Felony: Includes larceny $1,000+, reckless endangerment, and certain assault. Penalty is 1-5 years imprisonment OR up to 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine (at court’s discretion).
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes DUI, assault and battery, petit larceny, and possession of marijuana (over 1 oz). Maximum 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes aggressive driving, certain trespassing, and drunk in public. Maximum 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes certain fish and game violations. Fine only, maximum $500.
Class 4 Misdemeanor: Includes public intoxication (second offense) and certain minor violations. Fine only, maximum $250.
Expungement
Virginia has historically had very limited expungement, but recent legislation has expanded options:
Traditional Expungement: Available only for acquittals, dismissals, and cases of absolute pardon. Not available for convictions.
Automatic Sealing (2025): Virginia is implementing automatic sealing for certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies after waiting periods.
Marijuana Expungement: Certain marijuana-related offenses may now be sealed following decriminalization.
DUI Laws
Virginia DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory minimum $250 fine, 1-year license suspension, and required VASAP completion. If BAC .15%-.20%, mandatory minimum 5 days jail. If BAC .20%+, mandatory minimum 10 days jail. Second offense within 10 years carries mandatory minimum 20 days jail (1 month if within 5 years), $500 fine, and 3-year license suspension. Third offense within 10 years is a Class 6 felony with mandatory minimum 90 days jail (6 months if within 5 years) and indefinite license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Richmond?
Criminal cases in Richmond are heard in multiple courts depending on the offense. Richmond General District Court handles misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. Richmond Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals from General District Court. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) handles federal criminal cases. Virginia also has Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for cases involving minors and domestic matters. Having a Richmond criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Richmond?
Virginia has strict DUI penalties. A first offense DUI is a Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory minimum $250 fine, 1-year license suspension, VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program) completion, and possible ignition interlock requirement. Enhanced penalties apply based on BAC level: .15%-.20% BAC carries mandatory 5 days jail; .20%+ BAC carries mandatory 10 days jail. Refusing the breath test results in automatic 1-year license suspension (civil penalty). A DUI conviction also results in 6 DMV demerit points and remains on your driving record for 11 years. A Richmond criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test results.
What is the difference between Class 5 and Class 6 felonies in Virginia?
Class 5 and Class 6 felonies are unique in Virginia because they can be punished as either felonies or misdemeanors at the court’s discretion. Class 5 felonies (like involuntary manslaughter or extortion) can carry 1-10 years in prison if punished as a felony, or up to 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine if punished as a misdemeanor. Class 6 felonies (like larceny over $1,000) can carry 1-5 years in prison if punished as a felony, or up to 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine if punished as a misdemeanor. A Richmond criminal defense attorney can advocate for misdemeanor punishment and develop strategies to avoid felony conviction.
Can I get my Virginia criminal record expunged?
Virginia has historically had very limited expungement options. Traditional expungement was available only for acquittals, dismissals, and cases of absolute pardon, not for convictions. However, recent legislation has significantly expanded sealing options. Starting in 2025, Virginia is implementing automatic sealing for certain misdemeanors after 7 years and certain non-violent felonies after 10 years. Marijuana-related offenses may be eligible for sealing following decriminalization. A Richmond criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility under current and upcoming laws and advise on the best strategy for clearing your record.
What diversion programs are available in Richmond?
Richmond and Virginia offer several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. First Offender Programs may be available for certain drug and property offenses. Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) is required for DUI offenders but completion may be part of a reduced sentence. Drug Court and Mental Health Docket are available in some Virginia courts for defendants with substance abuse or mental health issues. Deferred Disposition allows the court to defer judgment while the defendant completes conditions. A Richmond criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion or deferred disposition.