Criminal Defense
Richmond Criminal Defense Attorney
Misdemeanor or felony, your side of the story deserves a lawyer who will fight for it.
- Virginia Bar Member Since 1999
- Personal Attention From Your Attorney
- Serving Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield & Hanover
- Free Consultation
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, the next few days matter. As a Richmond criminal defense attorney, Wendell Allen represents people facing misdemeanor and felony charges in the City of Richmond and the surrounding counties, from a first-time shoplifting accusation to serious felony allegations. You talk directly with your lawyer, not a call center, and you get a straight answer about where your case stands.
A criminal charge can follow you long after the court date. A conviction can affect your job, your housing, your driver's license, your right to own a firearm and, for non-citizens, your immigration status. That is why we look at every part of the case: how the police stopped and questioned you, whether a search was lawful, what the evidence actually shows and what options Virginia law allows.
Some cases are resolved through negotiation, a reduced charge or a deferred disposition where the law permits one. Others need to be tried. Either way, you will understand the choices in front of you and their likely consequences before you decide anything.
Time matters in a criminal case. Video from stores and traffic cameras is often recorded over within days, witnesses become harder to find, and statements made early can shape the whole case. If you or a family member has been charged, call before the first court date so we can start protecting your rights right away.
What We Handle
What Our Richmond Criminal Defense Lawyer Handles
Misdemeanors
Charges heard in General District Court, from trespass and disorderly conduct to driving on a suspended license.
Felonies
Serious charges that can carry more than a year in prison, from the preliminary hearing through Circuit Court.
Assault and battery
Simple assault, assault and battery on a family or household member, and related charges.
Domestic-related charges
Charges arising from disputes between family or household members, often heard in Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Drug offenses
Possession, possession with intent to distribute and related controlled-substance charges.
Theft and larceny
Shoplifting, petit and grand larceny, embezzlement and receiving stolen property.
Weapons charges
Carrying a concealed weapon, possession by a prohibited person, brandishing and related firearm charges.
Probation violations
Show-cause and revocation hearings when you are accused of violating probation or the terms of a suspended sentence.
Juvenile matters
Delinquency charges against young people, handled with the care the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court requires.
Protective-order-related charges
Charges for allegedly violating a protective order, and the hearings connected to them.
The Process
How We Handle Your Case
Step 1: Immediate case review
We go over the charge, your court date, bond conditions and anything you should or should not do while the case is pending.
Step 2: Evidence and police-conduct review
We study the reports, video, lab results and witness statements, and look closely at the stop, the search and any questioning.
Step 3: Negotiation and motions
Where the evidence has problems, we raise them. That can mean motions to suppress, negotiation with the prosecutor, or both.
Step 4: Trial or resolution
If a fair resolution is on the table, we explain it plainly. If not, we prepare your case for trial and stand with you in court.
Know the Basics
Virginia Law at a Glance
A few plain-English facts that often matter in these cases. Every situation is different, so talk with a lawyer about yours.
Misdemeanor vs. felony
In Virginia, misdemeanors are punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines, while felonies can carry more than a year in prison. The classes and ranges are set out in Va. Code §§ 18.2-10 and 18.2-11.
Your right to silence and to a lawyer
You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel from the moment of arrest. You can politely say you want a lawyer and stop answering questions.
How a case moves through court
Most adult cases begin in General District Court with a bond decision and an arraignment. Felony cases move to Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing or a grand jury indictment.
Penalties depend on the charge
Possible penalties vary widely with the offense, your record and the facts. Every case is reviewed individually before we give you an opinion.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; the attorney reviews current Virginia law for your specific case.
Why Clients Call Us
Why Choose Wendell Allen
You work with your attorney
Wendell Allen handles your case personally, from the first call to the final hearing.
Local court experience
Our practice is focused on the courts of Richmond and the surrounding counties and cities.
Plain-English advice
You will know what is happening, what could happen and what each decision means.
Questions
Criminal Defense FAQs
Answers to questions we hear often. For advice about your situation, call (804) 358-0368.
Stay calm, do not resist, and do not try to explain your side to the officers. Give your name and basic identifying information, say clearly that you want to remain silent and want a lawyer, and do not consent to searches. Then call a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are able.
Generally, no, not without a lawyer. Statements made to police, even ones meant to clear things up, are often used as evidence. You can be polite and still decline to answer questions. Once you ask for a lawyer, questioning should stop.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine. Felonies are more serious and can carry more than a year in prison. A felony conviction can also cost you civil rights, such as the right to own a firearm.
Sometimes. Charges may be reduced or dismissed because of weak evidence, an unlawful stop or search, witness problems or negotiation with the prosecutor. Some first-time offenses may be eligible for deferred dispositions. No lawyer can promise a result, but we look for every legitimate option.
As soon as possible, ideally before your first court date and before you speak with investigators. Early involvement can help with bond, preserve evidence such as video that may be erased, and keep you from making statements that hurt your case.
In most criminal cases, yes. Your attorney will tell you which hearings you must attend and prepare you for each one. In some misdemeanor matters, the court may allow counsel to appear on your behalf for certain proceedings.
Related Services
Where We Serve
We handle criminal defense cases for clients in City of Richmond, Henrico County and Chesterfield County, along with the rest of the Richmond region.
Free Consultation
Charged with a crime? Talk to Wendell Allen today.
The sooner you call, the more options you usually have. Tell us what happened and you'll hear back from Wendell Allen's office, not an answering service.
Request a Free Consultation
Tell us briefly what happened. Wendell's office will call you back, or call now at (804) 358-0368.
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