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

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Richmond, VA

Navigating legal troubles can be daunting. Our top picks for criminal defense lawyers in Richmond will guide you through the process.

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.

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer is critical for anyone facing legal challenges. In Richmond, VA, a skilled attorney can make the difference in your case, whether it's a misdemeanor or a serious felony. With numerous options available, it’s essential to choose a lawyer who understands the local legal landscape and has a proven track record of success.

To create this list, we evaluated 10 criminal defense lawyers in the Richmond metro area based on their Vetted Scores, client reviews, and overall reputation. Each lawyer was assessed without influence from any paid placements, ensuring a transparent and honest ranking.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Richmond
4.89average rating across the field
3.8Kcustomer 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(717 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 717 reviews, David A.C.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Joyner Law PC

★★★★★5.0(642 reviews)

Joyner Law PC boasts a 5-star rating from 642 reviews, with clients appreciating the firm’s dedication and thoroughness.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Cody Villalon holds a perfect rating of 5 based on 436 reviews, with clients frequently praising his strategic approach and attention to detail.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
717DUI and drug-related cases
2
Joyner Law PC
Joyner Law PC
Best Value
95Score
5.0★★★★★
642Affordable yet quality representation
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
436Complex criminal cases
4
93Score
5.0★★★★★
329Versatile criminal defense representation
5
91Score
4.9★★★★★
1,104Felonies and serious charges
6
89Score
4.9★★★★★
267DUI cases
7
88Score
4.9★★★★★
125DUI defense
8
87Score
4.9★★★★★
61General criminal defense
9
85Score
4.7★★★★★
84Variety of criminal defense cases
10
78Score
4.6★★★★★
20Personalized criminal defense
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

Our evaluation process involved analyzing online reviews, client feedback, and the overall performance of each lawyer. We considered factors such as the number of reviews and ratings from verified clients to determine a fair representation of their services. No lawyer paid for their placement, ensuring our rankings are impartial and based solely on merit.

This list is refreshed monthly to provide the most current insights into the best criminal defense lawyers in Richmond. We aim to help you make an informed decision based on real experiences and outcomes.

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(717 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 717 reviews, David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C. is highly praised for his thorough legal expertise and personalized approach. Clients commend his ability to simplify complex legal jargon and his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. He is particularly well-regarded for handling DUI and drug-related cases. However, his busy schedule may result in longer wait times for initial consultations.

Pros

  • High client satisfaction
  • Personalized legal strategies
  • Strong track record

Cons

  • Busy schedule
  • Potential wait for consultations
Best forDUI and drug-related cases
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
2
Best Value

Joyner Law PC

★★★★★5.0(642 reviews)
95Score

Joyner Law PC boasts a 5-star rating from 642 reviews, with clients appreciating the firm’s dedication and thoroughness. They are known for their effective communication and strong courtroom presence. Joyner Law is particularly suitable for those seeking a lawyer who balances affordability with quality representation. However, some clients note that response times can vary depending on case load.

Pros

  • Affordable rates
  • Strong courtroom presence
  • Effective communication

Cons

  • Variable response times
  • May be overwhelmed during peak times
Best forAffordable yet quality representation
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$100 to $300 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Cody Villalon, Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney

★★★★★5.0(436 reviews)
94Score

Cody Villalon holds a perfect rating of 5 based on 436 reviews, with clients frequently praising his strategic approach and attention to detail. He is particularly well-suited for complex criminal cases, and many appreciate his availability and willingness to explain legal processes. However, his growing popularity may lead to limited availability for new clients.

Pros

  • Strategic legal approach
  • Great attention to detail
  • High availability

Cons

  • Limited availability for new clients
  • Growing demand may affect response times
Best forComplex criminal cases
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
4

Weiland Button, PLC

★★★★★5.0(329 reviews)
93Score

Weiland Button, PLC has earned a 5-star rating from 329 reviews, with clients highlighting their thorough case analysis and proactive communication. They excel in a range of criminal defense areas, making them a versatile choice. However, some clients have mentioned that their fees can be on the higher side, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious individuals.

Pros

  • Thorough case analysis
  • Proactive communication
  • Versatile expertise

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • May not be budget-friendly
Best forVersatile criminal defense representation
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
5

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law

★★★★★4.9(1,104 reviews)
91Score

With a 4.9 rating from 1,104 reviews, Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are highly regarded for their client-focused approach and effective courtroom strategies. Many clients appreciate their ability to explain legal processes in simple terms. They are particularly strong in handling felonies and serious charges. However, some clients have reported longer wait times for appointments due to high demand.

Pros

  • Client-focused approach
  • Effective courtroom strategies
  • Clear communication

Cons

  • Longer wait times for appointments
  • High demand may affect availability
Best forFelonies and serious charges
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
6

Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC

★★★★★4.9(267 reviews)
89Score

Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit, PLC has a strong 4.9 rating from 267 reviews, with clients praising their thorough legal knowledge and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. They are particularly well-suited for DUI cases and have a reputation for being approachable and responsive. However, their smaller size may limit their resources in more complex cases.

Pros

  • Thorough legal knowledge
  • Approachable and responsive
  • Good for DUI cases

Cons

  • Limited resources for complex cases
  • Smaller firm size
Best forDUI cases
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per hour
7

Virginia Criminal & DUI Defense Group

★★★★★4.9(125 reviews)
88Score

Virginia Criminal & DUI Defense Group holds a 4.9 rating from 125 reviews, with clients noting their specialized focus on DUI and criminal defense. They are recognized for their aggressive defense strategies and personalized service. However, their smaller client base may lead to a less proven track record compared to larger firms.

Pros

  • Specialized focus on DUI
  • Aggressive defense strategies
  • Personalized service

Cons

  • Smaller client base
  • Less proven track record
Best forDUI defense
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
8

Janus & Stone

★★★★★4.9(61 reviews)
87Score

Janus & Stone has a solid 4.9 rating from 61 reviews, with clients appreciating their straightforward approach and effective legal strategies. They are known for their strong advocacy and client-centered service. However, their limited number of reviews suggests they are still building a solid reputation in the community. 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 general criminal defense. It serves Richmond, VA, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and still building reputation.

Pros

  • Straightforward approach
  • Effective legal strategies
  • Strong advocacy

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Still building reputation
Best forGeneral criminal defense
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $350 per hour
9

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

★★★★★4.7(84 reviews)
85Score

The Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C. has an impressive rating of 4.7 based on 84 reviews. Clients praise his dedication and thoroughness in handling cases. He specializes in a variety of criminal defense areas, but some clients have expressed concerns about communication delays during busy periods. 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 variety of criminal defense cases. It serves Richmond, VA, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication delays during busy times and limited reviews compared to larger firms.

Pros

  • Dedicated and thorough
  • Specializes in various areas
  • Good client feedback

Cons

  • Communication delays during busy times
  • Limited reviews compared to larger firms
Best forVariety of criminal defense cases
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
10

Richmond Criminal Law

★★★★★4.6(20 reviews)
78Score

Richmond Criminal Law has a 4.6 rating from 20 reviews, with clients noting their dedication and willingness to fight for their rights. They focus on providing personalized service, but the thin review base raises questions about their experience and consistency in outcomes. 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 personalized criminal defense. It serves Richmond, VA, with $100 to $250 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and unproven experience.

Pros

  • Dedicated service
  • Willingness to fight for clients

Cons

  • Thin review base
  • Unproven experience
Best forPersonalized criminal defense
Service areaRichmond, VA
Typical pricing$100 to $250 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Richmond

Selecting a criminal defense lawyer requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some key points to keep in mind when making your choice.

Experience

Look for a lawyer with a solid background in criminal defense, particularly in the type of case you are facing.

Client Reviews

Read reviews and testimonials to gauge the lawyer's effectiveness and client satisfaction.

Communication Style

Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and makes you feel comfortable discussing your case.

Fees and Costs

Understand the fee structure upfront to avoid any surprises later in the process.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Richmond

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Richmond can vary significantly based on experience, case complexity, and the lawyer's reputation. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing.

Consultation FeesMany lawyers offer free initial consultations, while others may charge between $100 to $300.
Hourly RatesExpect hourly rates to range from $150 to $500, depending on the lawyer's experience.
Flat FeesFor specific cases, flat fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Retainer FeesSome lawyers may require a retainer, typically between $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Richmond?

Costs can range from $100 to $500 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and case complexity.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Consider their experience, client reviews, communication style, and fee structure.

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

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can be challenging, but our top three picks stand out for their expertise and client satisfaction. David A.C. Long Attorney at Law P.C. is our Editor's Choice for his personalized approach and proven results. For those seeking value, Joyner Law PC offers excellent service at competitive rates. Finally, Cody Villalon excels in complex cases, making him a great option for clients with serious charges.