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Carleton Penn III
About Carleton
Biography
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
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
44 years
DUI and DWI
35%
44 years
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
20%
44 years
Domestic Violence
5%
44 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 78 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 1948
No misconduct found
Location
Carleton Penn III Attorney at Law
10 Wirt St. NW, Leesburg, VA, 20176
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Carleton Penn III's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
24 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (18)
Advocacy (12)
Recommendation (9)
Practice Area Knowledge (8)
Character & Conduct (5)
General Knowledge (5)
Communication Style (4)
Professionalism (4)
Responsiveness (4)
Compassion (3)
Cost of Services (3)
Trustworthiness (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Moe | March 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
You need an experienced attorney? Look no further!
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...
Posted by Sarah | June 23, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Helpful to the end
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!
Posted by anonymous | January 08, 2015 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Great Lawyer
Had a great experience with Carleton! I received an 87/55 reckless driving by speed citation on the Dulles Toll Rd. He was able to get it reduced to improper driving. It's obvious that he's been doing this for a while.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Best of a Bad Situation
Carleton Penn III did his job. Had a DWI with a refusal in Prince William County. We went to court 3 times and the 3rd time was the charm. DWI dropped completely. Pleaded guilty to the refusal with only a suspended driver's license for the commonwealth of Virginia for 12 months, that's it. No fine...
Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Recognized expertise and reputation of success
I was facing assault charges in Fairfax, VA and Mr. Penn was able to have the charges dismissed. I was facing a potential jail sentence, $2,500 in fines and possible medical reimbursement for the complainant's broken nose. Mr. Penn's knowledge and expertise were invaluable in clearing me of the charg...
Carleton Penn III's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known mr. Penn for over 20 years. He is an outstanding attorney and advocate."
"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."
"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"
"I endorse this lawyer. Great courtroom presence. Friendly with the Commonwealth and judges."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carleton is a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Penn is an excellent attorney and has a great reputation in the legal community. He is highly recommended."
"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."
"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."
"i have referred many clients to Carleton. he has always repesented them vigorously and gotten them good results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Samantha Fredieu
Trusts lawyer
Richard Railey
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
John Flannery II
Criminal defense lawyer
Andaleeb Geloo
Criminal defense lawyer
John Boneta
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Burnett
Personal injury lawyer
Justin McShane
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jeffrey Early
Criminal defense lawyer
James Swiger
Workers compensation lawyer
Harley Wagner
DUI and DWI lawyer
David Downes
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Silver Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Top Northern Virginia Professional, Northern Virginia Magazine
2014
Top Attorney, Virginia Business Magazine
2014
Top Lawyers by Peers for Crminal and DWI Defense, Northern Virginia Magazine
2012
Top Lawyers by Peers for Crminal and DWI Defense, Northern Virginia Magazine
2007
Most Minimum Staffing Hours, Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department
2001
President's Award, Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department,
1989
Life Membership, Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department
1986
Most Training Hours, Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Owner, Carleton Penn III, Attorney at Law
2016 - 2017
Partner, Hale-Ball
2009 - 2015
Partner, Hale Carlson Baumggartner, PLC
1982 - 2009
Partner, Hale Carlson Penn, PLC
Associations
2008 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseInvited Member
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2005 - Present
Fairfax City Volunteer Fire DepartmentParliamentarian
1998 - Present
Loudoun County Bar AssociationCriminal Law Committee
1990 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationCriminal Law Section
1984 - Present
Fairfax City Volunteer Fire DepartmentPresident, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary
1983 - Present
Fairfax County Political Science Intership ProgramSponsor/Mentor
1982 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Young Trial Lawyers SectionExecutive Committee
1982 - Present
Virginia State Bar
1982 - Present
Fairfax Bar Association
City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade Committee
Virginia College of Criminal Defense
Loudoun Bar Association
1995 - 2016
Fairfax Volunteer Fire DeaprtmentBy-Laws Committee
1990 - 1998
Fairfax Bar Association, General District Court CommitteeMember
1990 - 2000
Fairfax County Bar Association,Criminal Law Section
1989 - 1989
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Young Trial Lawyers SectionChairman
1989 - 1991
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationExecutive Council
1989 - 1991
George Mason University School of Law Alumni AssociationScholarship Committee
1989 - 1991
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationBoard of Governors
1987 - 1990
Fairfax County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral SectionMember
1985 - 1990
School of Law Alumni Association
1985 - 1986
Northern Virginia Young Lawyers AssociationVice President
Education
2018
National College for DUI Defense at Harvard University
Intensive Summer Session Curriculum in DUI Defense Law
2011
DUI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Certificate
1981
George Mason University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
Randolph-Macon College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1989
Continuing Legal Education Seminars
Defending the Serious Traffic Offender
1988
1988 VTLA Conference
Nuts and Bolts of Defending DWI
Publications
1989
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Defending the Serious Traffic Offender
1988
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Nuts and Bolts of Defending DWI
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Got a reckless driving ticket in VA. I have a PA license. I also get induced the day before my court date. What do I do?
22 Sep 2022
Q&A
Should I "lawyer up" after my reckless driving ticket?
02 Dec 2020
Q&A
How come a reckless driving charge when not speeding? Is she going to have to carry a felony?
16 Nov 2020