Beaumont Criminal Lawyers

I am a seasoned trial attorney who has been providing legal advice throughout Roanoke County, Roanoke City, the City of Salem, Franklin County, Bedford County, Botetourt County and courts throughout Southwest Virginia for more than a decade. But, I have been protecting citizen’s rights for even longer. Prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney, I served in the U.S. Marine Corps and earned the rank of Sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington D.C. Then, I worked as a prosecutor in Roanoke City before finally becoming a criminal defense attorney in the greater Roanoke area, where I tried cases in...

Michelle Derrico is a Roanoke criminal defense lawyer with years of experience defending clients against the Commonwealth. She has successfully represented clients accused of serious criminal charges such as murder and rape. At Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico, you will work directly with Michelle to ensure that your questions are answered and you know exactly how the criminal process works in southwest Virginia.

Amy Harber has a wealth of experience in both criminal and civil litigation and advocates smartly and effectively for her clients in personal injury, criminal and traffic, and civil matters. Amy served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the City of Hampton from 2008-2012 and Loudoun County from 2012-2020. In that time, she prosecuted cases ranging in severity from traffic tickets to murder and everything in between. In 2020, Amy joined Allstate Insurance Company’s Fairfax, Virginia legal office as a Senior Attorney and handled litigation involving bodily injury, property damage suits, automobile diminished value claims, wrongful death and infant settlements,...

PLEASE NOTE THAT REPORTED CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. PAST SUCCESSFUL CASE RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT FUTURE RESULTS.

Attorney Ramsey Alnaif has represented hundreds of clients and has amassed extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure. As lead attorney at trial, Ramsey’s “Dismissed” and “Not Guilty” record (excluding deferred dispositions) includes: driving under the influence (DUI), refusal to submit to breath test, possession of marijuana, trespassing, resisting arrest, assault and battery, domestic assault and battery, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, failure to appear, contempt of court, destruction of property, failure to register...

Shea spent 12 years on active duty in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, transitioning into the reserve component as an O-5 to continue pursuing his passion: representing servicemembers. During his time on Active Duty, he litigated well over one hundred courts-martial, in addition to numerous other hearings and boards, as a prosecutor, defense counsel, legal advisor, and hearing officer. During his time as a defense counsel he represented clients in every rank from E-1 to O-8 worldwide, tackling the most complex and highest visibility cases.. He has cross examined hundreds of accusers, law enforcement officers, and commanders, including...

A resident of Virginia Beach for over 30 years, Mr. Miyares has deep roots in our community. A graduate of Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Mr. Miyares went on to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk. After earing a B.S. in Political Science in 2000, Mr Miyares earned his J.D. in 2003 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After his admission to the Virginia Bar in 2003, Mr. Miyares proudly worked in the office of the Norfolk Public Defender. During 8 years in that office, Mr. Miyares gained...

Jason was raised in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake and attended Great Bridge High School. After graduation he went to Old Dominion University, getting a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Following college, in 1994 Jason began working as a Deputy at the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office. In 1997 he decided to attend law school and graduated in 2000 from The University of South Dakota Law School. Returning home, Jason’s first job in the legal field was for the Virginia Legal Aid Society in Suffolk, where his practice focused on landlord/ tenant issues and disability claims. He went on to the Chesapeake...

I represent individuals with child custody, visitation, divorce, and other family law matters. My firm handles cases from uncontested divorces to highly litigated custody battles. We fight for a fair and just outcome and offer personalized service throughout your case.

High-quality representation and client satisfaction with over 31 years of experience.

Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating.

Michelle Mordue Helms is a distinguished DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Family Law attorney who routinely handles cases throughout Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.

Her dedication to her clients, extensive knowledge of the law and her understanding of the applications of the law are what sets her apart from other lawyers.

Michelle Mordue Helms began as a Paralegal 31 years ago and is a graduate of Syracuse Law School. She was admitted to practice law in New York...

Jason Gallagher graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology in 2006. He continued his education at the Appalachian School of Law graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 2011. After graduation, Jason was admitted to practice law in Virginia and joined a regional law firm where he maintained a diverse practice representing individuals and businesses in complex civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2023, he founded the Gallagher Law Firm, PLLC, a client-focused practice dedicated to providing efficient, cost-effective and comprehensive solutions for clients facing...

Mr. Louie focuses his practice on traffic defense in Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads area. His firm regularly defends those charged with reckless driving, DUI, hit and run, racing, and other traffic offenses. Mr. Louie also conducts mediations to help people in conflict. Visit www.PeterLouieLaw.com to see some of our case results.

Naomi Huntington is a dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney at Huntington, Huntington & Huntington. She vigorously defends clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. With past experience as a Prosecutor, Ms. Huntington brings unique insight and knowledge to her cases. She is committed to promoting due process, fairness, and equality under the law for her clients.

Ms. Huntington attended the University of Virginia as an undergraduate. In 2012, she graduated from the Wake Forest School of Law. Ms. Huntington is licensed to practice law in the State of Virginia. She is the Vice President of the Montgomery County-Radford Bar Association.

David was born and raised in the Roanoke Valley; the son of a Registered Nurse and a Roanoke City Police Officer, he spent his childhood in Salem and attended Glenvar High School. After graduating, he went on to attend Virginia Tech where he received degrees in both Finance and Accounting. After graduation, David worked as an accountant in both the public and private sectors, but decided the law was his true calling. He went on to attend Washington & Lee University School of Law, where he graduated with honors at the top of his class in 2010. David began his...

I am a Virginia Beach trial lawyer who served previously as an Assistant Public Defender in the City of Virginia Beach and also as a Magistrate. Today I focus my legal practice on delivering excellent results for clients of Toscano Law Group primarily on state criminal cases, divorce and custody, and estate matters.

Brook M. Thibault is a Virginia Beach trial lawyer, former Associate Counsel for CMA CGM (America) LLC the world's third largest container ship company, and Public Defender. As Associate Counsel for CMA CGM, Brook shared in the corporate legal responsibilities associated with the company as subsidiary and agent for CMA CGM S.A. a French Domestic Society Anonym; including complex commercial real estate transactions, transportation and maritime law, and international asset search and collection. As Assistant Public Defender, Brook has represented hundreds of accused individuals in matters ranging from minor traffic infractions to serious violent crimes. Brook is a...

Tatiana Mendez is an attorney in Virginia whose practice focuses primarily on immigration, family, criminal, and traffic cases. Mendez began her legal career as an intern for the Federal Public Defender's Office in Norfolk where she assisted in the defense of a variety of clients and conducted interviews in Spanish. Since then she has practiced law all over Hampton Roads and gained experience in a wide variety of cases. In addition to her legal experience, Ms. Mendez is fluent in Spanish and earned a top score on the International Fluency Exam for Spanish Translators.

Admitted to practice law in Virginia in 1998, Mel brings a wealth of litigation experience to clients that includes practice as a prosecutor and working for insurance companies defending lawsuits, to include defending government officials charged with misconduct and violations of civil rights. Now he represents persons and small businesses in litigation arising out of serious personal injury, employment disputes, and employment and administrative/governmental grievances, such as professional discipline. Mel received his Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, from Bridgewater College of Virginia in 1995, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy/Religion. In 1998,...

Name and co-founding partner Michele L. Burton was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia where she obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. Shortly thereafter, Michele graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts in Humanities with a focus on Race and Law. In May 2012, she graduated from the College of William and Mary School of Law with a Juris Doctorate and passed the bar in October of that year. Upon graduation, Michele worked as a magistrate in Norfolk, Virginia for two years where she conducted probable cause...

Jerrell R. Johnson is a Virginia Beach criminal defense attorney who formerly served as a police officer for more than 15 years. He brings invaluable insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors build a case against his clients, and he can proactively prepare the strongest possible defense. Included in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, he is well-respected in the community for his skilled service and proven results in criminal and juvenile defense. Known for compassionate guidance, he was also voted the winner of the 2015 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award in Criminal Defense. Call today to learn more!

Ryan M. Schmalzle is a principal and founder of the firm. His practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ryan regularly practices in several jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He also practices in the Maryland Courts, including Frederick County and Montgomery County. Ryan is an adjunct professor of law at George Mason University School of Law where he teaches appellate writing. Ryan also serves as a Special Justice in Loudoun County and he presides over civil commitment hearings. Although Ryan’s primary love...

For over a decade, lawyer Sarah Bruns has been aggressively protecting the rights of her clients in Northern Virginia. As a seasoned trial attorney, Sarah has defended individuals charged with Murder, Rape, Robbery, Theft, and Drug Possession/Distribution. Sarah also has extensive experience in representing clients charged with traffic offenses such as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) and Hit and Run. While some crimes carry more severe penalties than others, Sarah handles every client’s case knowing that it is the most important one for that client. She believes that no client should be treated as if their issue is of little consequence. Sarah’s...

Thoman Law, P.L.L.C is a boutique law firm, headed by an experienced former prosecutor, that focuses on Criminal Defense, Traffic Defense, DUI Defense, Divorce, Child Custody, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, Adoption, Personal Injury, and General Civil Litigation cases. The mission of the firm is to provide the best possible representation and service for our CLIENTS. Great customer service, flexible office hours, and payments plans are always available. Call for a free consultation! 757-447-4090 Managing Partner, Brian Thoman began practicing law in the Hampton Roads area after earning his law degree from the Regent University School of Law in 2006....

My name is Matthew Barbero and I'm a criminal defense and traffic attorney and I am also the owner of Legal Defense Center, a criminal and traffic law firm located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I grew up in Westchester, New York. I used to regularly do stand up comedy while I was living in New York. I also used to do comedic acting and improv as well as script writing. I am a fantastic public speaker and orator. I was very good at chess when I was younger and I got a job as a chess tutor when I was...

Ward Armstrong has been practicing law for nearly 40 years. Now he and his daughter, Courtney Armstrong, practice together as The Armstrong Law Firm. The Armstrong Law Firm offers representation for cases of all types including criminal defense and drunk driving, personal injury from motor vehicle accidents, divorce and child custody, elder law and estate planning, including wills, and general civil matters. Don’t be strong-armed in the courtroom – hire The Armstrong Law Firm today!

At the age of 8, Quillyn had moved to beautiful Coeur D'Arlene, ID. She maintained a balanced life between her college studies at Boise State University (BSU) and giving back to the community. While at BSU, she volunteered for a few Idaho Legislator and tutored children, this is where her love for family law began. Helping the youth who need help the most and hearing their stories inspired her to follow her dreams at being an attorney. After receiving her bachelor's degree in communications in 2017, she returned to Norfolk to pursue her studies at Regent Law School. Shortly after passing...

I believe in providing personal and customized representation for each client. If you want a lawyer you can actually get in touch with, and who will keep you updated on your case, contact our firm.

Nick is a trial attorney representing those charged with traffic offenses and crimes such as assault and battery, underage possession of alcohol, possession of marijuana, and petty larceny. Before becoming an attorney, Nick attended Virginia Tech where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Business. He then accepted a full merit scholarship to University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law where he focused his studies on criminal law and litigation. In law school, Nick interned with both the Newport News Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the Virginia General Assembly for Delegate Jason Miyares of the...

Buta Biberaj was born in Montenegro and is of Albanian parentage. She was raised in the Bronx borough of New York City. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Education in 1987 and received her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the George Mason University School of Law in 1993. Buta is licensed to practice in the State Courts for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland and New York. She is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Buta’s involvement in the community is evidenced by her participation and service which include being a mentor for...

William "Ben" Mann is an experienced Virginia defense attorney who has devoted his career to protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Mann has handled a wide variety of criminal case types including felonies, DUI defense, drug cases, assault cases, domestic violence cases, as well as reckless driving cases. Mr. Mann is a member of the State Bar of Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010. Mr. Mann was named a top 100 trial lawyer by National Trial Lawyers in 2014, as well as to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Kelly Cournoyer brings both compassion and powerful advocacy to her cases. Raised in a military family that moved to stations on three continents, Kelly knows first-hand the unique challenges that military families face and the support they need to be successful. A former prosecutor, Kelly is a confident and talented trial lawyer who is focused on delivering excellent results for her clients. Prior to prosecuting, Kelly held positions as a law clerk and intern in private firms and in state and federal government, including for the U.S. Navy JAG Corps Trial Department. She earned a law degree at George Washington University and a...

I provide diligent , aggressive , and competent representation in the areas of criminal law; traffic law including but not limited to speeding tickets, reckless driving, accident cases, driving suspended ,and DUI; family law including divorce, custody, visitation, and support; wills and power of attorney.

Matt recently returned to the Roanoke Valley after spending 9 years in New Mexico, where he served as an officer in the Air Force and obtained his two graduate degrees.

After finishing law school, I started a company focused on teaching new fathers (by birth or adoption) skills and abilities they may not have had a chance to learn. Eventually I closed that business in order to work in the area of foreclosure prevention law due to the increasingly common foreclosure (which in Virginia can happen very quickly). I have chosen to continue to help people in need at my own law firm so I can give my clients the attention they deserve.

Vicki L. Francois (née Wiese), Esq.

Vicki obtained a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She then obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City School of Law, where she was awarded Order of the Barristers in recognition of excellence of courtroom advocacy. She also served as a law clerk for the Honorable James F. Lane of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals during law school.  Vicki has continued to further her education by attending the University of Pennsylvania and completing Leadership Strategy for Violence and Abuse Prevention, Executive Program.

She is licensed to practice law...

I have been practicing criminal and traffic law in Virginia for over 16 years, including 6 years as a prosecutor and 10 years in private practice. I am fluent in Spanish and can interpret or translate to assist clients.

Josh is a tenacious attorney with extensive courtroom and business experience that brings value to his clients. He has a broad area of practice with clients throughout the country. Josh’s focus of practice in the following areas of law: civil litigation, personal injury, criminal and traffic defense, divorce and family law, wills, trusts and estate planning, landlord and tenant law, business and corporate law, intellectual property, and general practice.