Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

When you are facing accusations and charges, it can be incredibly challenging to know what steps to take. You may be unsure of what to say and what not to say to the police. Whether you are facing some level of guilt or you know you are innocent, having a skilled Virginia Beach criminal defense attorney by your side minimizes risks and enhances your knowledge of your rights.

Our skilled legal team at Welch & Wright, PLLC, offers the experience you need in this life-changing moment.

Why Should I Hire a Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer?

In criminal cases, it is up to you to understand your rights, avoid making mistakes with law enforcement that could cost you your freedom, and have a solid defense strategy. This is why it’s crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you. When you partner with a law firm, you can expect us to assist you with the following:

1. Guiding you through the legal system, regardless of your current situation.
2. Provide you with options to achieve a favorable outcome by examining all potential defense strategies.
3. Protecting your rights, whether you are speaking with law enforcement or preparing for trial.

With our legal experience and reputation, we help you avoid common pitfalls that could affect your right to a fair trial.

A Criminal Charge is Not a Conviction — We Will Fight for You

You are not alone in this fight. We believe in you and know how to protect your rights. When you meet with our criminal law attorney, you gain valuable information and transparency about your situation. We know how to help those facing incredibly challenging circumstances or who may believe they are being accused wrongfully. When others are not listening, we are.

At Welch & Wright, we fight tirelessly to reduce or remove a criminal conviction. Our law office is ready to listen to your story and provide clear legal advice.

Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Virginia Beach

Criminal defense is our primary practice area. We handle a wide range of criminal offense charges faced by individuals in Virginia Beach and all across Hampton Roads. Some of the types of cases we handle include:

• DUI
• Drug crimes
• Assault and battery
• Reckless Driving
• Theft of all degrees
• Drug trafficking
• Probation violations
• Domestic violence
• Violent crimes
• Manslaughter
• Sex crimes

Do not waste time. With our comprehensive approach to providing outstanding legal representation, you can expect us to be there for you. We protect clients’ rights no matter who accuses them of a crime.

Welch & Wright, PLLC, Has Proven Criminal Defense Success

Attorney L. Calum Welch and Attorney Nick T. Wright work together to provide clients with transparent, authentic legal representation at their most challenging times. We represent you and your interests while protecting your rights.

4.9 Stars Reviews On Google

You can see for yourself what makes our legal team different. With over 140 five-star reviews on Google alone, we have built a strong reputation for helping people overcome numerous challenges.

Welch & Wright, PLLC Awards and Recognitions

Attorney Welch was nominated for the Clients’ Choice Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and Attorney Wright received nominations for the Clients’ Choice Awards in 2023. Our years of experience providing support to those facing a wide range of legal challenges, along with our experience supporting clients through the legal process, position us to assist you effectively.

Testimonials

“Calum was great! He not only was super knowledgeable, but he responded very promptly, was willing to help with whatever, and was extremely honest. He eased my stress and ultimately got my case dismissed! If you need anyone to represent you, I highly recommend this firm!” — Kassidy R.

“I had an issue in Va that required a court appearance. I contacted Nick to handle it for me and he thoroughly explained what could happen and how he could address the case. Went to court and he handled it perfectly just as he had described . 5 Stars are not enough for Nick He’s top notch.” — Jim H.

“Nick helped me expedite my court case and gave me the best option possible. I find Nick to be very knowledgeable, he explains everything in full detail and displays great professionalism. Very thankful and never making that mistake again.” — Troy W.

Crime Rates in Virginia Beach, VA

The Virginia Beach Police Department shares crime statistics openly. Consider that, in 2024, 7,977 crimes took place, and of those, just 5.5 percent were violent. The department reports a 22.3 percent decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year. Data also shows that homicides fell by 46 percent in 2024, from 24 to 13, and 100 percent of those have been positively cleared. Across the U.S., 1.22 million violent crimes took place, a crime rate of 363.8 per 100,000 people.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Charged With a Crime?

Whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or felony charge, it is essential to know what your rights are. Some of the most common mistakes people make that could impact them as they move through the criminal justice system include the following:

• Speaking to law enforcement without legal representation: Simply tell the police officer you want to speak to your criminal lawyer. That stops the questioning and alleviates your risk of self-incrimination.
• Not knowing their rights: If you don’t know your rights regarding the legal issue you’re facing, you may not know when they’re violated. Whether white-collar crimes or traffic offenses, all convictions impact your ability to get a job, live where you desire, and maintain the same quality of life.
• Not complying with court procedures: We encourage you to follow court procedures and cooperate with your legal team throughout the process. That means that, from the time you establish a client relationship with us, we go to work to represent you. As long as you meet your obligations under the law, you can expect our team to remain by your side.

What Are My Rights When Facing Criminal Charges?

Anyone facing criminal charges has rights under the U.S. Constitution. Those rights include:

1. The right to remain silent
2. The right to legal representation (for crimes involving the possibility of jail time)
3. The right to be free of illegal search and seizures
4. The right to a fair trial
5. The right to a jury trial of your peers
6. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty
7. The right to confront witnesses
8. The right to avoid double jeopardy

If you are accused of a crime, exercising your rights is critical. Let our defense and trial lawyers work on your case. The sooner you call us, the faster we can advise you on how to invoke your rights and when to do so.

Can I Appeal a Criminal Conviction?

You may be able to appeal a criminal conviction. The only limitation is that the appeal be noted in the appropriate court before the appeal deadline has run out in that court.

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense, such as reckless driving or a DUI, you have just ten days from the date of conviction to file an appeal if convicted from a General District Court. If convicted in a Circuit Court for a misdemeanor or felony, you have 30 days from the date of conviction (or sentencing if at a later date) to file an appeal.

Your Defense Starts Here. Call Our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation.

Schedule a consultation with our Virginia Beach criminal defense attorneys now. At Welch & Wright, PLLC, we provide confidential support to our clients during their most trying times. Call (757) 707-8803 or fill out our contact form for more information. We serve Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas.