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About Carleton
In 1982, I joined a firm with an extremely active trial practice and found myself in court most days with multiple court appearances. Because of my practice and reputation, I was asked to lecture to attorneys at the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association on Driving While Intoxicated in 1988. Because of that presentation, I was asked, and did, lecture to attorneys across the Commonwealtth of Virginia the following year on Defending the Serious Traffic Offender.
I have maintained a private practice in Fairfax and Lesburg appearing in Virginia courts. In 2008, I was asked to join the National College for DUI Defense. I pride myself on personal, caring representation in all alspects with my clients who, in turn, put their reputations on the line in recommending me,.
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 35%
Drug Offenses such as Possession and Distribution, Underage Possession of Alcohol, Grand or Petit Larceny such as Shoplifting/Concealment, Assault and Battery, Stalking, Rape/Sex Crimes, Disorderly Conduct, Valalism
37 years
- DUI and DWI: 35%
Author and Lecturer, Nuts and Bolts of Defending DWI in 1988, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, DWI, DWI with Enhanced BAC, Second and Third DWI
37 years
- Speeding and traffic ticket: 20%
Author and Lecturer, Defending the Serious Traffic Offender, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, 1989, Reckless Driving, Drive While Suspended, Speeding to Elude, Hit and Run, Racing, Accident Cases, Drive After Being Declared an Habitual Offender, Commercial Vehicle Traffic Offenses
37 years
- Domestic violence: 5%
Assault and Battery Against Spouse or Household Member, Child of Elder Abuse
37 years
- Juvenile law: 5%
Assault and Battery, Theft, Grand and Petit Larceny, Shoplifting, Underage Possession of Alcohol, Breaking and Entering, Destruction of Property, Concealment
37 years
Languages spoken
English
Contact
Carleton Penn III Attorney at Law
10 Wirt St. NW
Leesburg, VA, 20176
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 1982 | 02/13/2017 |
| Legal answers | 850 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
| Silver Client Champion Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
| Top Northern Virginia Professional | Northern Virginia Magazine | 2016 |
| Top Attorney | Virginia Business Magazine | 2014 |
| Top Lawyers by Peers for Crminal and DWI Defense | Northern Virginia Magazine | 2014 |
| Top Lawyers by Peers for Crminal and DWI Defense | Northern Virginia Magazine | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Most Minimum Staffing Hours | Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department | 2007 |
| President's Award | Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department, | 2001 |
| Life Membership | Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department | 1989 |
| Most Training Hours | Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department | 1986 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Carleton Penn III, Attorney at Law | 2017 - Present |
| Partner | Hale-Ball | 2016 - 2017 |
| Partner | Hale Carlson Baumggartner, PLC | 2009 - 2015 |
| Partner | Hale Carlson Penn, PLC | 1982 - 2009 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| National College of DUI Defense | Invited Member | 2008 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | N/A | 2008 - Present |
| Fairfax City Volunteer Fire Department | Parliamentarian | 2005 - Present |
| Loudoun County Bar Association | Criminal Law Committee | 1998 - Present |
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association | Criminal Law Section | 1990 - Present |
| Fairfax City Volunteer Fire Department | President, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary | 1984 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County Political Science Intership Program | Sponsor/Mentor | 1983 - Present |
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Young Trial Lawyers Section | Executive Committee | 1982 - Present |
| Virginia State Bar | N/A | 1982 - Present |
| Fairfax Bar Association | N/A | 1982 - Present |
| City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade Committee | N/A | N/A |
| Virginia College of Criminal Defense | N/A | N/A |
| Loudoun Bar Association | N/A | N/A |
| Fairfax Volunteer Fire Deaprtment | By-Laws Committee | 1995 - 2016 |
| Fairfax Bar Association, General District Court Committee | Member | 1990 - 1998 |
| Fairfax County Bar Association,Criminal Law Section | N/A | 1990 - 2000 |
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Young Trial Lawyers Section | Chairman | 1989 - 1989 |
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association | Executive Council | 1989 - 1991 |
| George Mason University School of Law Alumni Association | Scholarship Committee | 1989 - 1991 |
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association | Board of Governors | 1989 - 1991 |
| Fairfax County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral Section | Member | 1987 - 1990 |
| School of Law Alumni Association | N/A | 1985 - 1990 |
| Northern Virginia Young Lawyers Association | Vice President | 1985 - 1986 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association | Defending the Serious Traffic Offender | 1989 |
| Virginia Trial Lawyers Association | Nuts and Bolts of Defending DWI | 1988 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| National College for DUI Defense at Harvard University | Intensive Summer Session Curriculum in DUI Defense Law | 2018 |
| DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing | Certificate | 2011 |
| George Mason University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1981 |
| Randolph-Macon College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1977 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Continuing Legal Education Seminars | Defending the Serious Traffic Offender | 1989 |
| 1988 VTLA Conference | Nuts and Bolts of Defending DWI | 1988 |
Cound not have done it without Carleton Penn!
Posted by Frank
Sat Sep 16 2017
Reckless/Racing on Leesburg Pike
Posted by anonymous
Sat Sep 16 2017
Attorney endorsements
(18)Jeffrey Clark, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 9, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Carleton Penn is one of the most respected legal minds in Northern Virginia, no criminal defendant can go wrong with his representation.
James Swiger, Workers compensation Attorney on Oct 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Matthew Morrison, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 14, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Penn is a force to be reckoned with in Northern Virginia. He is passionate, diligent, and gets fantastic results for his clients. I would not hesitate to seek his counsel. I recommend with enthusiasm.
Jeremy Letnick, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is without a doubt one of the top 5 criminal defense lawyers in Virginia. He has been practicing law for over 30 years and I recommend him to anyone needing a good lawyer. Thank you Carleton for the advice over the years.
Andaleeb Geloo, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I give Carleton my highest endorsement because he is a brilliant attorney, cares about his clients and is respected in the community. He goes that extra mile for his clients and treats people with respect. He is one in a million and I am proud to be his colleague and his friend.
John Boneta, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known mr. Penn for over 20 years. He is an outstanding attorney and advocate.
Peter Burnett, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Carleton is a highly experienced attorney who has a thorough knowledge of his area of expertise. I have known him for more than 20 years. He practices in multiple courts in Virginia and gets good results for his clients.
Harley Wagner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
As a sustaining, 12+ year, lifetime member of the National College for DUI Defense, I have been privileged to interact and work with many of our nation's finest DUI Defense Attorneys. Carleton is without question a part of this small, specialized group of attorneys whose resume', training and credentials in the arena of DUI Defense is unequaled by the vast majority of nationwide attorneys who pretend to practice DUI Defense (a.k.a. "The Yellow Page gang"). If a friend, loved one or colleague was in need of DUI defense counsel in the commonwealth of Virginia, I would not hesitate to send him/her to Carleton. I proudly endorse this gentleman and that of his expertise in the practice of DUI Defense. Sincerely, Harley O. Wagner, Esq. - West Virginia DUI Defense Attorney - WestVirginiaDUIDefenseLawyers.com
Brenton Vincenzes, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Great courtroom presence. Friendly with the Commonwealth and judges.
Jonathan Fisher, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Bob Battle, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have know Carleton for almost his entire career. He has a ton of experience, is very "good on his feet" in the courtroom and gets great results for his clients.
Peter Sweeny, Workers compensation Attorney on Feb 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Carleton is a zealous advocate for his clients.
John-Paul Gilson, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Darren Meyer, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Penn is an excellent attorney and has a great reputation in the legal community. He is highly recommended.
Justin McShane, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 27, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Penn is a diligent attorney. He uses his reputation, knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference on behalf of the motorist among us who has been accused of a crime.
William Hassan, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with Carleton Penn on many matters for over 25 years. He is experienced, dedicated and extremely competent.
John Whittington, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
i have referred many clients to Carleton. he has always repesented them vigorously and gotten them good results.
Edward O'Connor, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 29, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
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