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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Richmond, VA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Richmond, VA

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Richmond can be daunting. This guide highlights the best options based on client reviews and trust.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceDavid A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C.
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Richmond-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

When facing criminal charges in Richmond, having a skilled attorney by your side can make all the difference. The stakes are high, and the right legal representation can influence the outcome of your case significantly.

To help you find the best criminal defense lawyers in the area, we evaluated 10 providers based on their client reviews and ratings. Our rankings reflect the experiences of real clients, ensuring you have access to trustworthy information.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Richmond
4.89average rating across the field
4.0Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Richmond? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C.

★★★★★5.0(790 reviews)

With a perfect 5-star rating from 790 reviews, David A.C.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Joyner Law PC

★★★★★5.0(660 reviews)

Joyner Law PC maintains a stellar 5-star rating across 660 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Cody Villalon has earned a 5-star rating from 469 reviews, where clients highlight his dedication and expertise in navigating complex legal situations.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
790Serious criminal charges requiring experienced representation
2
Joyner Law PC
Joyner Law PC
Best Value
95Score
5.0★★★★★
660Clients seeking effective representation at a reasonable cost
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
469Clients who value a responsive attorney with a strong defense focus
4
92Score
5.0★★★★★
346Individuals facing serious criminal charges
5
91Score
4.9★★★★★
1,134Clients looking for a well-established firm with a strong track record
6
89Score
4.9★★★★★
282Clients needing specialized criminal defense
7
88Score
4.9★★★★★
124Individuals facing DUI charges
8
82Score
4.9★★★★★
67Clients seeking a more personal touch in legal services
9
80Score
4.7★★★★★
84Clients needing clear guidance in their legal matters
10
78Score
4.6★★★★★
20Clients seeking dedicated but less proven representation
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

We assessed each criminal defense lawyer in Richmond by analyzing their star ratings and the number of client reviews. Our evaluation process is transparent, and no business pays for placement in our rankings.

This list is regularly updated to reflect the latest client feedback, ensuring you receive the most accurate and current information when selecting legal representation.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C.

★★★★★5.0(790 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 790 reviews, David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C. is highly praised for his thorough approach and strong courtroom presence. Clients commend his communication skills and dedication to winning cases. However, his services may come at a premium, which could be a consideration for some.

Pros

  • High success rate
  • Excellent client communication
  • Experienced in serious cases

Cons

  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • Limited availability for consultations
Best forSerious criminal charges requiring experienced representation
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
2
Best Value

Joyner Law PC

★★★★★5.0(660 reviews)
95Score

Joyner Law PC maintains a stellar 5-star rating across 660 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's personalized service and commitment to understanding each case in detail. This practice is particularly noted for its affordability compared to other top-rated firms. However, some clients mention longer wait times for responses during busy periods.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Affordable rates
  • Strong client relationships

Cons

  • Possible delays in communication
  • Limited resources for larger cases
Best forClients seeking effective representation at a reasonable cost
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Cody Villalon, Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney

★★★★★5.0(469 reviews)
94Score

Cody Villalon has earned a 5-star rating from 469 reviews, where clients highlight his dedication and expertise in navigating complex legal situations. He is recognized for a strong defense strategy and responsiveness to client needs. However, due to his growing popularity, scheduling appointments may be challenging at times. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients who value a responsive attorney with a strong defense focus. It serves Richmond, VA, with $175 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are high demand may affect availability and less experience in some niche areas.

Pros

  • Dedicated and responsive
  • Strong legal strategies
  • Good rapport with clients

Cons

  • High demand may affect availability
  • Less experience in some niche areas
Best forClients who value a responsive attorney with a strong defense focus
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$175 to $450 per hour
4

Weiland Button, PLC

★★★★★5.0(346 reviews)
92Score

Weiland Button, PLC holds a 5-star rating from 346 reviews, with clients praising their aggressive defense tactics and thorough case preparation. They are best for those facing serious charges. However, some clients feel their service can be less personal due to a larger team structure. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individuals facing serious criminal charges. It serves Richmond, VA, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less personalized service and team dynamics may vary.

Pros

  • Aggressive defense strategies
  • Thorough preparation
  • Experienced team

Cons

  • Less personalized service
  • Team dynamics may vary
Best forIndividuals facing serious criminal charges
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
5

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law

★★★★★4.9(1,134 reviews)
91Score

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law have an impressive 4.9-star rating from 1,134 reviews, highlighting their extensive experience and comprehensive defense strategies. Clients appreciate their attention to detail. However, some feel the larger firm may lack the intimacy that smaller practices offer. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients looking for a well-established firm with a strong track record. It serves Richmond, VA, with $200 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less personal interaction and higher fees than some smaller firms.

Pros

  • Extensive experience
  • Detail-oriented
  • Highly rated by clients

Cons

  • Less personal interaction
  • Higher fees than some smaller firms
Best forClients looking for a well-established firm with a strong track record
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$200 to $450 per hour
6

Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC

★★★★★4.9(282 reviews)
89Score

Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC holds a solid 4.9-star rating from 282 reviews. Clients commend their thoroughness and legal knowledge. They are well-suited for individuals needing specialized defense. A drawback is that their smaller size may limit resources for larger cases. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing specialized criminal defense. It serves Richmond, VA, with $175 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited resources for bigger cases and smaller team may affect availability.

Pros

  • Thorough legal knowledge
  • Specialized defense
  • Responsive communication

Cons

  • Limited resources for bigger cases
  • Smaller team may affect availability
Best forClients needing specialized criminal defense
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$175 to $400 per hour
7

Virginia Criminal & DUI Defense Group

★★★★★4.9(124 reviews)
88Score

Virginia Criminal & DUI Defense Group has a strong 4.9-star rating from 124 reviews, noted for their focus on DUI cases and aggressive defense strategies. Clients appreciate their commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. However, they may not be as experienced in handling a wider range of criminal cases. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individuals facing DUI charges. It serves Richmond, VA, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited experience with non-DUI cases and smaller review base.

Pros

  • Focus on DUI cases
  • Aggressive defense
  • Client-centered approach

Cons

  • Limited experience with non-DUI cases
  • Smaller review base
Best forIndividuals facing DUI charges
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per hour
8

Janus & Stone

★★★★★4.9(67 reviews)
82Score

Janus & Stone holds a 4.9-star rating from 67 reviews, with clients appreciating their personalized service and straightforward legal advice. They are a good choice for those looking for a smaller, more intimate legal team. However, the limited number of reviews may raise questions about their overall experience. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking a more personal touch in legal services. It serves Richmond, VA, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and less experience with high-profile cases.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Straightforward advice
  • Smaller firm atmosphere

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Less experience with high-profile cases
Best forClients seeking a more personal touch in legal services
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
9

Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C.

★★★★★4.7(84 reviews)
80Score

The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has a 4.7-star rating from 84 reviews, with clients noting his thorough knowledge of the law and approachable demeanor. He is particularly good for those seeking clear legal guidance. However, some clients mention that his availability can be limited. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing clear guidance in their legal matters. It serves Richmond, VA, with $175 to $375 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability and smaller practice may lack resources.

Pros

  • Thorough legal knowledge
  • Approachable demeanor
  • Clear communication

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Smaller practice may lack resources
Best forClients needing clear guidance in their legal matters
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$175 to $375 per hour
10

Richmond Criminal Law

★★★★★4.6(20 reviews)
78Score

Richmond Criminal Law has a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews. Clients appreciate their dedication and willingness to fight for their rights. However, the small review base raises concerns about their consistency and experience in the field. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking dedicated but less proven representation. It serves Richmond, VA, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and less proven track record.

Pros

  • Dedicated representation
  • Willingness to fight for clients

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Less proven track record
Best forClients seeking dedicated but less proven representation
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Richmond

Selecting a criminal defense lawyer involves weighing multiple factors, including price, reputation, and your specific legal needs. Here are key considerations to guide your decision.

Evaluate Experience and Specialization

Look for a lawyer with a strong background in criminal defense and experience handling cases similar to yours.

Consider Client Reviews

Read reviews from past clients to gauge satisfaction levels and the lawyer's effectiveness in court.

Assess Communication Style

Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and is responsive to your questions and concerns.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Richmond

Basic ConsultationExpect to pay around $100 to $300 for an initial consultation, where you can discuss your case and get preliminary advice.
Hourly RatesHourly rates typically range from $150 to $500, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.
Flat Fees for Specific CasesFor certain cases, lawyers may charge a flat fee ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, providing clarity on total costs upfront.
Retainer FeesSome lawyers may require a retainer fee, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000, covering initial legal services.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Richmond?

Most criminal defense lawyers in Richmond charge between $150 to $400 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of your case.

What should I consider when choosing a criminal defense lawyer?

Look for their experience with cases similar to yours, their overall rating, and the number of reviews they have received. A strong track record can indicate their effectiveness.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Richmond residents: <strong>David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C.</strong>

For the best overall service, choose David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C.. If you want great value, go with Joyner Law PC, which delivers high-quality service without breaking the bank. For those ready to splurge, Cody Villalon, Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney offers exceptional expertise and a strong track record.