Westmoreland County Criminal Lawyers

STEPHEN V. SOMMERS (licensed in Virginia 1999, Texas (1997), Maryland (1996)), was born at Camp Pendleton, CA, October 4, 1956 and educated at Troy State University (B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1981), Golden Gate University (M.A., 1986) and American University (Juris Doctor, 1995). Mr. Sommers retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Major after 22 years flying fighter aircraft. Mr. Sommers has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Fourth Circuit and the Tenth Circuit and all Virginia Courts. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the...

Matt Ballard of Ballard Law Firm was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia. He graduated from Kecoughtan High School and received his Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Tech before earning his Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary School of Law. After an internship at the National Labor Relations Board, Division of Judges, in Washington, DC, employment at the Law Firm of Jenkins & Rhea in Charlottesville, and six years of service as a prosecutor at the Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney office, he joined the Smith Law Firm, where he practiced from 2010 to 2023. Licensed...

Brian M. Latuga specializes in Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation across State and Federal courts. As a seasoned trial attorney, his career is marked by relentless advocacy in the courtroom to safeguard the liberty, rights, and family unity of those under serious allegations by the government or individuals. Mr. Latuga's practice spans a comprehensive range of charges, including misdemeanors, felonies, white-collar crimes, sex offenses, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. His prowess is recognized across Federal, General District, Juvenile, Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts in the Commonwealth, attesting to his reputation and expertise. Mr. Latuga's legal acumen is rooted in real-world experience,...

Christopher has settled numerous cases for clients who have been injured. Christopher specializes in Motor Vehicle Accident Law and Criminal Defense Law. Christopher has represented clients for a range of criminal charges from Traffic Tickets to Murder. Christopher’s passion for and career in personal injury began after he was in a severe auto accident. While on his way to work, Christopher was struck by a foreign tourist in a rental car that was a negligent driver of a vehicle and was left with permanent injuries. After that incident, Christopher decided to attend law school and fight for the rights of...

James E. Short is a skilled lawyer who has over 30 years of experience. His practice is focused on a wide range of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases as well as DUI defense, family law and personal injury. As a former prosecutor, James E. Short, provides a unique perspective to assess your legal needs. He is committed to providing the highest level of service at an affordable price and fighting for the rights of his client. His successful track record has earned him the recognition of his colleagues and clients alike. Please call the office at 757-410-5042 to...

I am a former prosecutor who is a seasoned trial lawyer focused on achieving outstanding results for my clients. I am a born fighter and a high-profile problem solver. My firm handles personal injury and civil litigation, state and federal criminal law cases, divorce and custody, and education and Title IX law. Our firm stands out among the rest because of our experience in courtroom litigation. We fight for our clients!

Attorney Shemeka Hankins is an experienced prior prosectuor with years of criminal litigation experience. A seasoned trial attorney, she is well-versed in a number of criminal areas such as drugs/narcotics/marijuana, driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), theft crimes, and juvenile justice. She also has experience with mental health programs, license restoration, restoration of gun rights, and expungements.

Shemeka Hankins is a committed servant of the community and puts the rights of clients at the forefront of the defense. She is dedicated to helping her clients protect their freedoms and defend their rights in legal situations. Attorney Shemeka Hankins is a...

At 7 Cities Law I specialize in Criminal Defense and Juvenile Law. I started my legal career eight years ago as a prosecutor in Virginia Beach where I tried hundreds of criminal cases. My experience extends from the most serious of violent felonies like Murder or Sexual Assault to misdemeanors such as Traffic Offenses, Domestic Violence and School Disciplinary Hearings. I was recently selected by the National Trial Lawyers as one of their Top 40 Under 40. I pride myself on being prepared and working with my clients as a team to get the best result in our...

Taite has devoted his entire legal career to the practice of criminal defense. Prior to co-founding Westendorf & Khalaf, Taite worked as a supervising attorney in the largest Public Defender's office in the state (Virginia Beach). His career has been defined by taking on a variety of tough high stakes cases. In a state where a fraction of felony cases go to trial (and less than 1% go to jury trial), Taite has taken over one hundred felony cases to trial and has won not guilty verdicts following jury trials for murder, rape, robbery, abduction, use of a...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

Aaron Pomeranz is a Virginia criminal defense attorney at Parks Zeigler, PLLC who formerly served with the Norfolk Police Department for almost 25 years. He brings unique knowledge and insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors build a case against his clients.

Dan Miller was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Norfolk Collegiate School in 1985, and graduated from Oxford College in 1987 with an Associate of Arts degree. Dan went on to graduate from Emory University in Atlanta in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology. From 1989 to 1995 Dan played drums in a band based in Atlanta Georgia where he toured the College Circuit throughout the Southeastern United States. Dan graduated a semester early and was admitted to practice law in Virginia in November 1998. In 1998, Dan was hired by Michael...