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Carleton Penn III

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Avvo Rating10
  • Leesburg, VA
  • Licensed for 38 years
  • Free consultation
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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

OtherDomestic violenceSpeeding and traffic ticketDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. 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

    38 years

  2. 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

    38 years

  3. 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

    38 years

  4. Domestic violence: 5%

    Assault and Battery Against Spouse or Household Member, Child of Elder Abuse

    38 years

  1. Juvenile law: 5%

    Assault and Battery, Theft, Grand and Petit Larceny, Shoplifting, Underage Possession of Alcohol, Breaking and Entering, Destruction of Property, Concealment

    38 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

10 Wirt St. NW
address map

Carleton Penn III Attorney at Law

10 Wirt St. NW
Leesburg, VA, 20176

https://loudountrafficlaw.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
VAAuthorized to Practice Law198209/21/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers909
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
Silver Client Champion AwardMartindale-Hubbell2017
Top Northern Virginia ProfessionalNorthern Virginia Magazine2016
Top AttorneyVirginia Business Magazine2014
Top Lawyers by Peers for Crminal and DWI DefenseNorthern Virginia Magazine2014
Top Lawyers by Peers for Crminal and DWI DefenseNorthern Virginia Magazine2012
Most Minimum Staffing HoursFairfax Volunteer Fire Department2007
President's AwardFairfax Volunteer Fire Department,2001
Life MembershipFairfax Volunteer Fire Department1989
Most Training HoursFairfax Volunteer Fire Department1986
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerCarleton Penn III, Attorney at Law2017 - Present
PartnerHale-Ball2016 - 2017
PartnerHale Carlson Baumggartner, PLC2009 - 2015
PartnerHale Carlson Penn, PLC1982 - 2009
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National College of DUI DefenseInvited Member2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysN/A2008 - Present
Fairfax City Volunteer Fire DepartmentParliamentarian2005 - Present
Loudoun County Bar AssociationCriminal Law Committee1998 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationCriminal Law Section1990 - Present
Fairfax City Volunteer Fire DepartmentPresident, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary1984 - Present
Fairfax County Political Science Intership ProgramSponsor/Mentor1983 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Young Trial Lawyers SectionExecutive Committee1982 - Present
Virginia State BarN/A1982 - Present
Fairfax Bar AssociationN/A1982 - Present
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade CommitteeN/AN/A
Virginia College of Criminal DefenseN/AN/A
Loudoun Bar AssociationN/AN/A
Fairfax Volunteer Fire DeaprtmentBy-Laws Committee1995 - 2016
Fairfax Bar Association, General District Court CommitteeMember1990 - 1998
Fairfax County Bar Association,Criminal Law SectionN/A1990 - 2000
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Young Trial Lawyers SectionChairman1989 - 1989
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationExecutive Council1989 - 1991
George Mason University School of Law Alumni AssociationScholarship Committee1989 - 1991
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationBoard of Governors1989 - 1991
Fairfax County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral SectionMember1987 - 1990
School of Law Alumni AssociationN/A1985 - 1990
Northern Virginia Young Lawyers AssociationVice President1985 - 1986
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationDefending the Serious Traffic Offender1989
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationNuts and Bolts of Defending DWI1988
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
National College for DUI Defense at Harvard UniversityIntensive Summer Session Curriculum in DUI Defense Law2018
DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety TestingCertificate2011
George Mason University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1981
Randolph-Macon CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1977
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Continuing Legal Education SeminarsDefending the Serious Traffic Offender1989
1988 VTLA ConferenceNuts and Bolts of Defending DWI1988

Reviews

(24)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Carleton Penn

Cound not have done it without Carleton Penn!

Posted by

I had a possession felony on my record from years ago. I got my civil rights restored. Mr. Penn helped me get my restoration of firearms back and concealed weapon permit! He gets the job done in a very professional and timely manor. Thanks Carleton Penn!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Reckless/Racing on Leesburg Pike

Posted by

I received a reckless ticket for going 91 in a 55 on Leesburg Pike. Carelton Penn asked me to provide him with a few things, like my driving record and a driving calibration for my vehicle. The night before the hearing I was stressing out the whole time. The day I showed up to the trial he was waiting outside and told me that he would speak with the prosecutor. He came out and told me to come in with him in the courtroom. When they called my name, I was only given a speeding ticket. No misdemeanor, no suspended license. I owe this man so much for his work and effort. He truly cares about his clients. Thank you Mr.Penn.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

86/55

Posted by

I was pulled over for doing 86 on the Dulles Toll road. Automatic reckless. He negotiated it down to just a speeding ticket. I reached out to Carlton, got his voice mail. But I received a call back almost immediately from both him and his assistant. They gave me great advice and tolde exactly what to expect. I was able to have the consultation over the phone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great service, very happy with Mr Penn's assistance !

Posted by

Mr Penn and his assistant, Jiatae, were very professional and friendly, easy to speak with concerning my issue. He gave me great advice and directed any needed actions on my own part to help them with my case. I was more then happy to do this/anything for them to resolve my problem. I am very happy with the court results of my case. Mr. Penn did a great job, great service oh my behalf and I would hire him again if ever needed!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

You need an experienced attorney? Look no further!

Posted by

I had the opportunity to be represented by Mr. Penn in an alleged domestic violence case. Not only did he do his utmost to defend me but also, turned the testimony around in my favor, and we won the case. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any person facing various and serious charges. Mr. Penn has decades of professional experience in his field and he also has great sense of humor, which is sometimes needed in such cases.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

traffic ticket

Posted by

did a great job for me with short notice and not great record :(
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Traffic Ticket

Posted by

December 2015 I was cited for failure to yield left turn, my first at fault accident in 53 years of driving. I questioned the construct of intersection. Was referred to Mr. Penn. He spent over 2 (no cost) hours at initial meeting discussing accident. At the end of session he recommended not guilty position. I accepted his services. On May 16th we went to court. Mr. Penn worked with police officer and together recommended drop of charge and judge agreed. Very satisfied with outcome!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Traffic Attorney!

Posted by

Carleton Penn did an awesome job and I would recommend him to anyone.

Helpful to the end

Posted by

I had a very good experience with Mr. Penn, He was helpful with all questions about my case and kept me informed about what to expect. and we won my case!

Excellent Lawyer

Posted by

Reckless driving charge of 88/55 dropped to a speeding ticket with fine of $110. Very easy to deal with and I would highly recommend.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(18)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Matthew Morrison, DUI and DWI 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Speeding and traffic ticket 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Speeding and traffic ticket 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 29, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

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