1. Dorsk Law Office, PLC
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, felony defense, violent crimes, drug offenses, DUI/DWI, white collar crimes, theft and larceny
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug possession and distribution, murder, robbery, malicious wounding, assault, kidnapping, alcohol-related offenses, fraud, domestic violence, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motion practice, appeals, expungement petitions, record sealing, bail hearings, preliminary hearings
Background: Chad G. Dorsk earned his J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2005 and was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2007. He began his career at the Portsmouth Public Defender’s Office from 2007 to 2009 before establishing his private practice. Mr. Dorsk has over 17 years of criminal defense experience and has handled jury trials resulting in acquittals on charges including murder, robbery, and malicious wounding. He is a member of the Bar Association of Norfolk County, the NORML Legal Committee, and has been selected to Super Lawyers (2025). He is admitted to practice in Virginia state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and federal courts.
Location: 409 Duke Street, Unit 100, Norfolk, VA 23510
Contact: (757) 423-0271 | [email protected] | https://www.dorsklaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Protogyrou Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense (state and federal), death penalty defense, DUI/DWI, sex crimes, reckless driving, insurance defense
Case Types Handled: Murder, capital cases, felonies, misdemeanors, DUI charges, sex crimes, drug offenses, traffic violations, appeals, habeas corpus matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, habeas corpus petitions, U.S. Supreme Court practice, Virginia Supreme Court practice, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, plea negotiations
Background: Andrew Protogyrou earned his B.A. with distinction from Virginia Military Institute in 1984 and his J.D. from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1987. He has handled hundreds of jury trials in state and federal courts throughout Virginia, including death penalty cases. Mr. Protogyrou has argued cases before the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He served as a substitute judge in Hampton Roads General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts for five years and served on the Norfolk City Council for six years. He has been selected to Virginia Business Legal Elite and Super Lawyers (2007-2018, 2020-2022). His cases have been featured in local and national news media. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Location: 125 St. Pauls Boulevard, Suite 150, Norfolk, VA 23510
Contact: (757) 625-1775 | (757) 267-6611 | https://www.prlaw.org/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Welch & Wright, PLLC
Practice Focus: DUI defense, drug crimes, felony defense, misdemeanor defense, traffic offenses, expungement petitions
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, drug possession and distribution, robbery, larceny, financial crimes, firearm offenses, violent crimes, manslaughter, reckless driving, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, expungement petitions, firearm rights restoration, preliminary hearings, appeals, probation violation hearings
Background: L. Calum Welch is a co-founder of Welch & Wright, PLLC. He is a Hampton Roads native who earned his undergraduate degrees (B.S. in Political Science and Philosophy, Master’s in Humanities) from Old Dominion University and his J.D. from William & Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law, where he concentrated in criminal law. During law school, he worked with the Public Defender offices throughout Hampton Roads and with his alma mater’s Title IX and Equity Diversity Office. He is a member of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (VACDL) and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA). Nick T. Wright, co-founder, earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law and previously worked in a Virginia prosecutor’s office.
Location: 716 W. 20th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517
Contact: (757) 707-8803 | https://www.welchwrightlaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
4. McCormack & McCormack
Practice Focus: Military criminal defense, state and federal criminal defense, sex crime defense, court-martial defense, administrative separation hearings
Case Types Handled: Sex offenses, murder, assault, drug crimes, DUI, weapons offenses, military court-martials, administrative separations, Show Cause Board of Inquiry proceedings, federal crimes
Legal Services: Court-martial defense, administrative separation board representation, Show Cause Board representation, trial defense, appeals, security clearance matters, federal court representation
Background: Greg D. McCormack earned his J.D. from Western New England College School of Law in 1979 and his B.S. from Jacksonville University in 1975. He served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (1979-1982) as both a military prosecutor and defense counsel before entering private practice. He has practiced criminal defense since 1982, with over 40 years of experience. Mr. McCormack is admitted to practice in Virginia, Massachusetts (inactive), all Military Appellate Courts, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, U.S. Court of Claims, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His representation has been the subject of two published books: “The Wrong Guys” by Tom Wells and Richard Leo, and “Honor and Betrayal” by Patrick Robinson.
Location: 641 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 201, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Contact: (757) 885-5063 | (888) 490-0876 | https://www.mccormackpc.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available, 24/7 availability
5. Curcione Law, PLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense, reckless driving, drug offenses, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, reckless driving, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, DMV hearings, license restoration
Background: Matt Curcione is the founding attorney of Curcione Law, PLC. Prior to becoming an attorney, he served as a decorated police officer for nearly a decade. This background provides him with insight into police procedures and the prosecution’s approach to building cases. His law enforcement experience enables him to identify potential procedural flaws and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Location: Janaf Office Building, Suite 208, 5900 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23502
Contact: (757) 301-3636 | https://www.norfolkcriminaldefenseattorneys.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available, 24/7 availability
Criminal Defense Regulations in Virginia
Virginia attorneys must be licensed by the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners before registering with the Virginia State Bar (VSB). The VSB is the unified state bar for all attorneys practicing in Virginia, and membership is mandatory for all active attorneys.
The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirement for all active Virginia lawyers is 12 hours annually, of which 2 hours must be in ethics or professionalism and 4 hours must come from live-interactive programs. The compliance period runs from November 1 through October 31, with a December 15 reporting deadline. Newly admitted attorneys must complete the Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course within 24 months of becoming active.
Virginia does not have a formal board certification program for criminal law specialists, unlike some other states. However, attorneys may distinguish themselves through membership in organizations such as the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (VACDL).
The Virginia Public Defender system provides representation to indigent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility is determined by financial screening based on federal poverty guidelines. Virginia has public defender offices in various jurisdictions, while some areas use court-appointed attorneys from a rotating list.
Virginia classifies felonies into six classes, ranging from Class 1 (most serious, including first-degree murder, punishable by 20 years to life imprisonment or death) to Class 6 (least serious, punishable by 1-5 years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine). Misdemeanors are classified into four classes, with Class 1 being the most serious (up to 12 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine) and Class 4 being the least serious (fine only, up to $250).
Virginia abolished parole for felony offenses committed on or after January 1, 1995, though supervised probation remains available. The state maintains the death penalty, though its use has been limited. Capital defense requires specialized training and certification.
Virginia’s expungement laws were significantly reformed in 2021. Traditional expungement applies to charges that resulted in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. New record sealing laws (effective July 1, 2026) will allow sealing of certain Class 5 and Class 6 felony convictions, as well as misdemeanor convictions, subject to eligibility requirements including waiting periods of 7 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies, with no prior Class 1 or Class 2 felony convictions.
Virginia’s bail laws create a presumption in favor of pretrial release under Virginia Code Section 19.2-120. A magistrate or judge considers factors including the nature of the offense, criminal history, community ties, and flight risk. Secured bonds, unsecured bonds, and personal recognizance are available options depending on the circumstances.
The speedy trial requirement in Virginia requires trial within five months for felony defendants held in custody. Discovery rules are governed by Virginia Supreme Court Rule 3A:11, which requires the Commonwealth to disclose certain evidence upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at an arraignment in Norfolk courts?
In Norfolk General District Court, criminal arraignments for out-of-custody defendants are typically held at 9:00 a.m. Bond hearings are held at 10:30 a.m. At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges, informed of constitutional rights (including the right to counsel), and asked to enter a plea. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court will determine eligibility for court-appointed counsel. For felony cases, the General District Court conducts preliminary hearings to determine probable cause before the case is certified to Norfolk Circuit Court for trial.
How does the bail process work in Norfolk, Virginia?
After arrest, a defendant is brought before a magistrate for an initial bail determination. The magistrate considers factors including criminal history, nature of the offense, ties to the community, and flight risk. If the magistrate denies bail or sets an amount the defendant cannot pay, the defendant can request a bond hearing before a General District Court judge. If bond is still denied or remains unaffordable, the defendant may file a bond appeal in Norfolk Circuit Court. Bond options include personal recognizance (no payment required), unsecured bond (payment due only if defendant fails to appear), and secured bond (requiring payment through cash or a bail bondsman).
What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in Virginia?
A first-offense DUI in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A mandatory minimum fine of $250 applies. Administrative consequences include a 12-month driver’s license suspension (a restricted license may be available after completion of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program). If the blood alcohol content was between 0.15 and 0.20, a mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail applies. If the BAC was 0.20 or higher, a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail applies. Virginia also requires installation of an ignition interlock device for restricted license eligibility.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Norfolk?
Under current Virginia law, expungement is available only for charges that were dismissed, resulted in a nolle prosequi, or ended in acquittal. A petition must be filed in Norfolk Circuit Court, and the petitioner must demonstrate that the continued existence of the record causes or may cause manifest injustice. Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia’s new record sealing laws will allow eligible individuals to petition to seal certain misdemeanor and lower-level felony convictions. Eligibility requires no Class 1 or Class 2 felony convictions ever, no Class 3 or Class 4 felony convictions in the past 20 years, and no other felony convictions in the past 10 years. The new law also limits petitioners to two sealing orders in their lifetime.
What diversion programs are available for criminal charges in Norfolk?
Virginia offers several diversion options that may allow dismissal of charges upon successful completion. First offender programs under Virginia Code Section 18.2-251 are available for certain first-time drug possession charges, allowing dismissal after completion of treatment and community service. Deferred disposition under Virginia Code Section 19.2-303.2 may be available for certain misdemeanor property offenses. Norfolk also participates in various specialty dockets, including Drug Court for eligible defendants with substance abuse issues. Eligibility for diversion programs depends on the specific charge, criminal history, and other factors determined by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the court.