10 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Arlington, VA

An arrest in Arlington, Virginia, can happen during a traffic stop on I-66, along Route 50 or Columbia Pike, after an incident in Clarendon or Rosslyn, or following an allegation of assault, domestic violence, or drug possession. The consequences can begin quickly: arranging bond, understanding the charges, preparing for an initial court appearance, and protecting your driving privileges after a DUI or serious traffic arrest.

The 10 law firms and attorneys in this guide represent different criminal defense approaches in Arlington and the surrounding Northern Virginia area. Some maintain Arlington offices, while others are based in nearby communities such as Fairfax, Alexandria, or Manassas and serve Arlington clients. Their practices range from focused criminal defense and trial representation to broader legal services that include criminal matters.

Criminal cases in Arlington are handled through the 17th Judicial Circuit and District Court system. The Arlington General District Court, located at 1425 North Courthouse Road, handles misdemeanor cases, traffic matters, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Felony trials and appeals from the General District Court are handled by the Arlington Circuit Court, at the same courthouse. Criminal offenses are prosecuted by the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Depending on the case, further appellate review may be available through the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Below is a selection of 10 criminal defense lawyers and law firms serving Arlington, based on factors such as criminal defense focus, experience handling cases in Arlington and Northern Virginia courts, prior prosecution or public defense experience, attorney credentials, publicly available client reviews, and relevant legal experience. The list includes Arlington-based practices as well as firms in nearby Northern Virginia communities that represent clients in Arlington. These factors are intended to help readers compare each attorney’s background and practice focus, rather than present an official ranking or endorsement.

1. Mersberger Criminal Defense, PLLC 

• Attorney: Dennis M. Mersberger, Co-Founder of the former Schmergel & Mersberger, PLC and current lead attorney at Mersberger Criminal Defense, PLLC. Mersberger Criminal Defense, PLLC
• Headquarters: 1550 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209. The firm serves clients in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia. Mersberger Criminal Defense, PLLC
• Phone: (703) 574-3305. Mersberger Criminal Defense, PLLC
• Website: https://www.mersbergerlaw.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug crimes, federal crimes, reckless driving, traffic violations, expungements, and criminal appeals.
• Firm Size: Small, attorney-led criminal defense practice. Dennis M. Mersberger is the attorney featured on the firm’s website and in its current directory listings.

Firm Overview

Mersberger Criminal Defense, PLLC is an Arlington, Virginia-based law firm led by attorney Dennis M. Mersberger. The firm represents individuals facing misdemeanor, felony, and traffic-related charges throughout Northern Virginia, including Arlington and Alexandria. Before establishing the current practice, Mersberger co-founded Schmergel & Mersberger, PLC in 2004, with a focus on criminal defense representation. His practice centers almost exclusively on criminal trials and appeals in Virginia state and federal courts.

The firm handles a range of criminal matters, including DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, federal charges, reckless driving, and traffic violations. Its website emphasizes direct access to an experienced trial attorney, individualized case strategies, and careful review of the evidence and circumstances surrounding an arrest. The firm also publishes selected case results involving reduced drug charges, dismissed domestic violence allegations, reduced assault charges, and DUI charge reductions. It highlights professional recognition from organizations such as Super Lawyers and offers consultations for individuals seeking criminal defense representation.

2. Sher, Cummings and Ellis

• Founded: 1983
• Attorney: David E. Sher and Mark D. Cummings, Founding Partners; John P. Ellis, former partner (deceased); Adam M. Collins and Nicole Johnson, attorneys previously identified with the firm. Mark D. Cummings is prominently featured in the firm’s current attorney information.
• Headquarters: 3800 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 7, Arlington, VA 22203. Sher, Cummings and Ellis
• Phone: (703) 525-1200. Arlington Magazine
• Website: https://shercummingsandellis.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI and traffic violations, white-collar crimes, personal injury, wrongful death, commercial litigation, defamation, legal malpractice, employment litigation, expungements, restoration of driving privileges, and estate administration.
• Firm Size: Small law firm. Its LinkedIn profile describes a four-attorney practice, although this should be confirmed against the current attorney roster.

Firm Overview

Sher, Cummings and Ellis is an Arlington, Virginia-based law firm originally established in 1983 by attorneys David E. Sher and Mark D. Cummings. In 2003, the firm adopted its current name after personal injury attorney John P. Ellis joined the practice. The firm represents individuals, families, and businesses in Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Alexandria, and Manassas, as well as matters in Washington, D.C., and federal courts. Its attorneys handle a variety of legal matters, with experience in criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, and complex disputes.

The firm’s criminal defense practice includes state and federal criminal matters, traffic violations, white-collar offenses, and expungements. Mark D. Cummings has practiced law since 1978 and has experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He has also taught Virginia law courses at George Mason University School of Law and received recognition from Martindale-Hubbell and Washingtonian Magazine. David Sher and Mark Cummings have both received Super Lawyers recognition, according to the firm’s professional profile. The firm also highlights its work on complex civil rights and human rights matters, including litigation involving foreign sovereign immunity and a significant settlement for a client with locked-in syndrome.

3. Newton Turner, PLLC

• Attorney: Molly Newton and William (Bill) Turner, Founding Partners.
• Headquarters: 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Eighth Floor, Arlington, VA 22201.
• Phone: (703) 677-8614.
• Website: https://newtonturner.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, serious traffic offenses, drug offenses, violent crimes, assault and battery, domestic violence, first-degree murder, search and seizure challenges, and child advocacy.
• Firm Size: Boutique criminal defense practice with two publicly featured partners. The firm does not specify its total employee count.

Firm Overview

Newton Turner, PLLC is an Arlington, Virginia-based boutique criminal defense law firm founded by attorneys Molly Newton and William Turner. The attorneys previously worked together at the Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, where Newton served as Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney and Turner served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Their prosecution experience includes cases involving homicide, violent sex crimes, narcotics offenses, Internet crimes against children, and serious traffic violations. The firm represents individuals facing criminal allegations in Northern Virginia and emphasizes using its attorneys’ prosecutorial experience to understand how the government investigates and builds criminal cases.

The firm’s practice focuses on criminal litigation and trial representation. Its attorneys handle DUI, drug possession and distribution, assault, domestic violence, serious traffic offenses, and major violent crime allegations, including first-degree murder. Newton has extensive trial experience in high-profile criminal cases, while Turner has tried thousands of cases as a prosecutor and teaches criminal law and procedure to law enforcement agencies. Turner also coaches George Mason University Law School’s Trial Advocacy Program and has received recognition from Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. The firm highlights its willingness to take cases to trial, challenge unlawful searches and seizures, and contest the prosecution’s evidence rather than automatically pursue plea agreements.

4. Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm

• Attorney: David Benowitz, Criminal Defense Attorney at Price Benowitz LLP.
• Headquarters: 409 7th Street NW, Suite 222, Washington, DC 20004. The firm also lists an office at 3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030.
• Phone: (202) 529-9374 (Washington, DC); (703) 991-1071 (Fairfax).
• Website: https://criminallawyerusa.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, federal offenses, drug charges, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault, DUI/DWI, and related criminal investigations.
• Firm Size: The website identifies David Benowitz as the featured criminal defense attorney, but does not provide a verified headcount for the criminal defense team. The website’s legal notice identifies the firm as Price Benowitz LLP.

Firm Overview

Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm is the criminal defense website associated with attorney David Benowitz and Price Benowitz LLP. Based in Washington, DC, the firm represents individuals facing criminal allegations in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. The attorney profile states that Benowitz has approximately 25 years of criminal defense experience. His professional credentials include an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10.0 Avvo rating, membership in the National College for DUI Defense, and faculty participation in Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop.

The criminal defense practice handles a range of allegations, including federal offenses, drug charges, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault, and DUI/DWI. The firm emphasizes early legal intervention, thorough investigation, communication with clients, and developing defense strategies based on the evidence and circumstances of each case. Its website also discusses the challenges of federal investigations involving agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and ICE. The firm offers free initial consultations and advertises 24/7 availability.

5. The Irving Law Firm

• Attorney: John J. Irving, Founder and Managing Partner; Barry Zweig, Criminal Division Lead Attorney; and attorneys Madison Howell and Alexandra Mannix, who focus primarily on criminal defense.
• Headquarters: 9253 Mosby Street, 2nd Floor, Manassas, VA 20110. Additional office at 2311 Wilson Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201.
• Phone: (703) 844-4118 (Manassas); (703) 382-6699 (Arlington).
• Website: https://www.theirvinglawfirm.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, reckless driving, drug offenses, assault, murder, theft, robbery, juvenile delinquency, sex crimes, federal criminal matters, family law, divorce, adoption, personal injury, estate planning, and business formation.
• Firm Size: Multi-attorney law firm with approximately 14 publicly listed attorneys and a broader administrative and paralegal team. The firm does not publish a verified total employee count.

Firm Overview

The Irving Law Firm is a Northern Virginia law firm founded by John J. Irving. Headquartered in Manassas, the firm also operates an Arlington office and represents clients throughout Prince William County, Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, and surrounding communities. Its practice covers several legal areas, including criminal defense, family law, personal injury, estate planning, adoption, and business formation. The firm’s website reports more than 98 combined years of legal experience across its attorneys. It emphasizes local court familiarity, client communication, and providing practical legal guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances.

The firm’s criminal defense division handles misdemeanor and felony matters, including DUI, reckless driving, drug offenses, assault, murder, theft, robbery, juvenile offenses, and sex crimes. Barry Zweig leads the criminal division, while Madison Howell and Alexandra Mannix are among the attorneys whose profiles identify criminal defense as a primary practice focus. The firm also highlights experience representing clients in both state and federal criminal proceedings, along with its availability by phone and text around the clock. Its approach emphasizes reviewing the evidence, explaining potential legal options, and developing a defense strategy based on the circumstances of each case.

6. David Deane Attorney At Law, PLLC

• Attorney: David W. Deane, Founder and Criminal Defense Attorney.
• Headquarters: 1100 North Glebe Road, Suite 1010, Arlington, VA 22201. Additional office at 4015 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 38, Fairfax, VA 22030.
• Phone: (703) 596-9946 (Arlington); (703) 721-8748 (Fairfax).
• Website: https://daviddeanelaw.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, reckless driving, assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, federal crimes, gun charges, homicide, robbery, sex crimes, theft, traffic violations, and driving on a suspended license.
• Firm Size: Small, attorney-led practice. David Deane is the principal attorney publicly identified on the firm’s website; the firm does not disclose a verified employee count.

Firm Overview

David Deane Law is a Northern Virginia criminal defense practice led by attorney David W. Deane. The firm maintains offices in Arlington and Fairfax and represents individuals facing misdemeanor, felony, DUI, and traffic-related charges throughout Northern Virginia. According to his professional biography, Deane began his legal career as a prosecutor in Fairfax County in 1997. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from George Mason University School of Law in 1997 and his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in 1994. His background includes experience handling criminal cases from both the prosecution and defense perspectives, which he uses to evaluate evidence and develop defense strategies for clients.

The firm’s practice covers a broad range of criminal matters, including assault, domestic violence, drug charges, DUI, federal crimes, firearms offenses, homicide, robbery, sex crimes, and theft. Deane also handles traffic cases such as reckless driving and driving on a suspended license. The firm emphasizes local court knowledge, personalized attention, communication, and developing defense strategies based on each client’s circumstances. Deane regularly practices in Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Falls Church, and Alexandria, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The website advertises free consultations and 24-hour availability.

7. Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law

• Attorneys: W. Edward Riley IV, Mitchell M. Wells, Cody A. Remington, and J. Daniel Vinson are identified on the firm’s attorney/practice page.
• Headquarters: 1518 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23230.
• Additional Locations: The firm has location-specific service and contact pages for other Virginia jurisdictions, including Chesapeake and Leesburg. These pages do not, by themselves, establish that each location is a staffed physical office.
• Phone: (804) 673-7111.
• Website: https://www.rileywellslaw.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, reckless driving, traffic violations, speeding tickets, assault and battery, drug offenses, firearm offenses, suspended or revoked license charges, and related criminal matters. The firm also lists record relief and firearm-right restoration services.
• Firm Size: LinkedIn lists 2–10 employees; Martindale-Hubbell lists a firm size of four. These are third-party estimates and may not reflect the firm’s current staffing.
• Founded: 2008, according to LinkedIn and SignalHire.

Firm Overview

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law concentrates on defending individuals charged with criminal offenses and serious traffic violations in Virginia. The firm’s listed attorneys include W. Edward Riley IV, Mitchell M. Wells, Cody A. Remington, and J. Daniel Vinson. Its website reports more than 60 years of combined attorney experience, over 30,000 clients represented, and more than 1,500 client reviews. These are firm-reported figures.

The firm’s practice covers a range of misdemeanor and felony matters, along with DUI/DWI and traffic-related cases. Its website emphasizes reviewing the charge, summons, warrant, or ticket early, explaining the relevant court process, and preparing clients for upcoming proceedings. The firm also identifies recognition as a U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Firm” and a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.

8. The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC

• Attorneys: Kimberly Stover (Founding Attorney) and Alaric Piette (Of Counsel).
• Headquarters: 211 North Union Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314.
• Additional Office: 8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22031.
• Phone: (571) 554-5977.
• Website: https://virginiacriminaldefenseattorneys.net/
• Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, felony offenses, juvenile offenses, misdemeanor offenses, murder, sex crimes, weapons offenses, and white-collar crimes.
• Firm Size: The website identifies two attorneys: Kimberly Stover and Alaric Piette. It does not publish a total employee or staff count.

Firm Overview

Kimberly Stover is the founding attorney of The Law Office of Kimberly Stover, PLLC. According to her firm biography, she has practiced criminal defense exclusively in Virginia since 2010 and previously worked as a public defender. She graduated from Georgetown University Law Center and serves on the board of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Justice Forward Virginia.

Alaric Piette serves as Of Counsel and brings more than 15 years of criminal defense experience. His background includes service as a former Navy SEAL, a Georgetown University Law Center education, and experience involving national security, classified information litigation, and court-martial defense. The firm handles misdemeanor and felony cases, including serious charges such as murder, weapons offenses, drug crimes, and white-collar offenses.

The firm also publishes selected case results, including a strangulation charge dismissed for lack of probable cause in Prince William County, a domestic assault and battery charge dropped in Prince William County, and a not-guilty verdict following trial in an Arlington domestic assault and battery case. These are firm-reported results, not independently verified case records.

9. Robinson Law, PLLC

• Attorneys: Michael A. Robinson (President and CEO, Founder), Benjamin Griffitts (Attorney), John Kolessides (Senior Associate), Sarah Buskirk (Of Counsel), and Bret Lee (Of Counsel). The team page also lists Damon Johnson (Director of Operations), Emelin Portillo (Paralegal), and K. Suzanne Dixon (Paralegal).
• Headquarters: 10486 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA 22030.
• Additional Location: LinkedIn lists 700 Princess Anne Street, Suite 11, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. The firm’s current website prominently identifies its Fairfax location; confirm the Fredericksburg address directly with the firm before treating it as a current office.
• Phone: (703) 844-3746.
• Website: https://www.callrobinson.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, federal crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, sex offenses, theft, juvenile defense, traffic violations, probation violations, expungements, personal injury, car accidents, estate planning, and probate.
• Firm Size: LinkedIn lists 2–10 employees. The firm’s website identifies five attorneys or of-counsel lawyers and additional operations and paralegal staff.
• Founded: 2008

Firm Overview

Michael A. Robinson is the founder and President/CEO of Robinson Law, PLLC. His background includes experience as a former prosecutor, which the firm highlights as an advantage when evaluating criminal charges and developing defense strategies. His practice includes criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning. The firm’s website identifies him as licensed since 2006 and lists recognitions including Super Lawyers, Elite Lawyer, and Top Lawyer by Northern Virginia Magazine.

The firm’s criminal defense practice represents adults and juveniles facing misdemeanor and felony charges. Its case types include DUI/DWI, drug offenses, federal crimes, fraud, sex offenses, violent crimes, theft, weapons offenses, and probation violations. The firm also reports more than 50 years of combined legal experience on its criminal defense page and over 375 five-star client reviews. A separate recruitment page refers to more than 70 years of combined experience, so the firm’s published experience figures are not consistent across pages.

10. Adam D. Elfenbein

• Attorney: Adam D. Elfenbein (Member and principal attorney).
• Headquarters: 2111 Wilson Boulevard, 8th Floor, Arlington, VA 22201-3089.
• Additional Offices: No additional office locations are identified on the firm’s current website.
• Phone: (703) 243-9223.
• Website: https://www.elfenbeinlaw.com/
• Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, traffic violations, business law, commercial litigation, civil litigation, family law, divorce, child custody, child support, personal injury, automobile accidents, estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, landlord-tenant law, employment law, and creditor’s rights.
• Firm Size: One attorney, according to Martindale-Hubbell.
• Years of Experience: The firm’s homepage states that Adam D. Elfenbein has provided legal services since 1993. His attorney profile lists bar admissions beginning in 1987.

Firm Overview

Adam D. Elfenbein is the principal attorney at Elfenbein Law, PLLC. He earned his Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 1986 and later obtained an LL.M. in Taxation from the College of William & Mary in 1991. His professional admissions include Virginia (1987), the District of Columbia (1989), and Maryland (1989). His background includes business planning, commercial litigation, family law, estate planning, personal injury, and criminal and traffic matters.

The firm’s criminal defense services include representation for felony and misdemeanor charges, DUI/DWI cases, and traffic violations. Its website explains that the attorney reviews whether law enforcement followed proper procedures and may seek charge reductions where appropriate. However, criminal defense is one part of a broader general practice rather than the firm’s exclusive focus.

Summary

The 10 criminal defense lawyers and firms featured in this guide offer different levels of experience, legal backgrounds, and approaches to representing clients in Arlington and throughout Northern Virginia. Mersberger Criminal Defense, Newton Turner, and David Deane Law focus primarily on criminal defense, while Sher, Cummings and Ellis, Robinson Law, and Elfenbein Law handle criminal cases alongside other legal matters. The attorneys also bring varied professional backgrounds, including former prosecution experience at Newton Turner and David Deane Law, and former public defense experience at the Law Office of Kimberly Stover. Other options include The Irving Law Firm, Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm, and Riley & Wells, which represent clients in a range of misdemeanor, felony, DUI, drug, violent crime, and federal cases. When comparing these practices, individuals should consider the attorney’s experience with the specific charge, familiarity with Arlington courts, trial background, communication approach, and ability to handle related legal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington, VA?

Look for an attorney who regularly handles cases similar to yours and has experience appearing in Arlington General District Court or Arlington Circuit Court. Consider the attorney’s criminal defense background, trial experience, familiarity with local court procedures, communication style, and fee structure. A consultation can help you determine whether the lawyer’s approach fits your circumstances.

2. What types of criminal cases do Arlington defense lawyers handle?

Criminal defense attorneys serving Arlington handle a variety of misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI/DWI, reckless driving, drug possession and distribution, assault and battery, domestic violence, theft, weapons offenses, sex crimes, robbery, and homicide. Some firms also represent clients in federal criminal investigations and proceedings.

3. Should I hire a former prosecutor for a criminal defense case?

An attorney with prosecution experience may understand how prosecutors evaluate evidence, prepare cases, and approach plea negotiations and trials. However, a former prosecutor is not automatically the best choice for every case. Consider the attorney’s overall criminal defense experience, familiarity with your type of charge, and ability to develop a defense strategy.

4. Where are criminal cases heard in Arlington, Virginia?

Misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings for felony cases generally proceed through Arlington General District Court. Felony trials are handled by Arlington Circuit Court. Both courts are located at 1425 North Courthouse Road in Arlington. The appropriate court depends on the charge and stage of the proceedings.

5. Do all 10 lawyers and firms listed have offices in Arlington?

No. Some practices, including Mersberger Criminal Defense, Newton Turner, and David Deane Law, list Arlington offices. Other firms are based in nearby communities, including Fairfax, Alexandria, Manassas, Richmond, and Washington, D.C., but also represent clients in Arlington. Confirm an attorney’s current office location and availability before scheduling a consultation.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational and editorial purposes only. The attorneys and law firms are included based on publicly available information about their practice areas, professional backgrounds, experience, credentials, geographic service areas, and client reviews. This is an independent editorial selection, not an official ranking, endorsement, or recommendation by a bar association, court, or government agency. Firm details, attorney rosters, office locations, ratings, and reported case results may change and should be independently verified before relying on them. Past case results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. This article does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Individuals facing criminal charges should consult a qualified Virginia criminal defense attorney about their specific circumstances.