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Gretchen Lynch Taylor

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Avvo Rating10
  • Fairfax, VA
  • Licensed for 25 years
  • Free consultation
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About Gretchen

Taylor Law Company is a full service law firm located steps away from the Fairfax County Courthouse in Fairfax, VA.  Ms. Taylor specializes in all types of criminal defense and has provided the highest quality legal services to a broad range of clients, charged with every concievable criminal or traffic offense, since 1995.  Ms. Taylor previously served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia and is qualified to handle every type of Federal case.  Additionally, she has served as both an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender before opening up her own law office.

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Practice areas

OtherSpeeding and traffic ticketCriminal defenseFederal crimeDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 35%

    25 years

  2. Federal crime: 25%

    18 years

  3. Criminal defense: 15%

    25 years

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket: 15%

    25 years

  1. Juvenile law: 10%

    25 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1820668 1356037131

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1820668 1356039057

1820668 1359490924

1820668 1359491020

Contact

Taylor Law Company

10605 Judicial Drive
Suite A-5
Fairfax, VA, 22030

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    VAAuthorized to Practice Law199503/29/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers3
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2013
    Mastering Scientific EvidenceNational College for DUI Defense, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association2012
    DWI means Defend With IngenuityNational College of DUI Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2011
    Recognized for efforts in Defending DUI casesNational College for DUI Defense2009
    DWI means Defend With IngenuityNational College of DUI Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2009
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerTaylor Law Company (formerly Law Office of Gretchen Taylor)2008 - Present
    Assistant Federal Public DefenderFederal Public Defender2002 - 2008
    Adjunct Professor of LawThe College Of William & Mary1999 - 2002
    Assistant Commonwealth's AttorneyCommonwealth's Attorney For The City Of Newport News1998 - 2002
    Assistant Public DefenderOffice Of The Public Defender For The City Of Roanoke1995 - 1997
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounding Member, District Representative2014 - Present
    Fairfax Bar Association, General District Court CommitteeMember, Co-chair 2018-10192010 - Present
    Virginia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2008 - Present
    Virginia Women Attorneys AssociationMember, former president of Roanoke chapter1996 - Present
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1995
    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1992
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    2014 Annual DWI CLEDrug Recognition Experts2014
    2012 Annual Meeting of VACDLHow to Salvage Lost Causes: Post-Trial Motions2012
    Brown Bag Lunch SeriesHow to Win your case before a U.S. Magistrate Judge2007
    Federal Sentencing and Related TopicsRecent Trends on Acceptance of Responsibility2004

    Reviews

    (23)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
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    2 Star
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    1 Star
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    Review Gretchen Taylor

    Got a charge expunged on a technicality- brilliant knowledge of the law

    Posted by

    Gretchen Taylor is a lawyer that you want. She's easy to talk to, open and informative with her clients, and she's also really smart. She was able to get all of my prior dismissed charges expunged, even an alcohol one that I did a diversion program on (which normally can't be expunged) because of a brilliant technicality in case-law. She's easy to talk to, the judges/prosecutors seem to like her and she's VERY good at her job. Hire her!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Gretchen Rocks

    Posted by

    Gretchen Taylor is a legal genius. I recommend her to anyone who wants the optimal outcome. Thank you so much Gretchen for all your help.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A Truly Amazing and Super intelligent Attorney

    Posted by

    I hired Gretchen based off her reviews on AVVO and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was scared at my charge and she not only managed to have all charges dismissed, she put up with me being a nervous wreck throughout the process and I’m extremely grateful and couldn’t stop hugging her at court. She’s just not any attorney. She’s an attorney with a huge heart. Thank you Gretchen!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Proscutional matter

    Posted by

    I consulted on a matter that did not clearly fit Gretchen's expertise, but she was great. I appreciated her insights.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Complicated DUI Case - Successful Outcome

    Posted by

    In searching for an attorney to represent me in a complex DUI case, my research brought me to Gretchen Taylor, who appeared to be one of the most accomplished and respected DUI attorneys in Fairfax, VA. After an initial consultation, I couldn’t have been more impressed with someone that showed the attention to detail that this case would require. From our first meeting, Gretchen thoroughly reviewed all of the details and quickly developed a strategy that would give me the best chance to win. In a case that lasted more than a year, Gretchen’s reputation proved true as she successfully helped me to get all charges dropped and expunged. I can’t thank Gretchen enough, and highly recommend her.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Outstanding Lawyer!

    Posted by

    My son was arrested last Memorial Day. I contacted Gretchen and she went to work immediately. She was fast, efficient, and thorough. She worked diligently to get all the facts and prepare the case. She was able to present an effective defense that was based on the objective facts and deep understanding of Virginia statute. When the trial came, my son was found not guilty. I believe her preparation was instrumental in the positive outcome and I highly recommend her to anyone who needs an excellent defense attorney.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    She cares

    Posted by

    Plain and simple. She cares. October 2013, I was arrested and indicted with a federal felony. Thank God they didn't seek to detain me. The next day, I had a lot of phone calls to make. Every one of them, lawyer after lawyer, acted as if I was just another phone consultation, that my case didn't really matter, and by extension my plight didn't really matter. Gretchen was the last phone call on my list. I was ready for more of the same. But she actually cared about what was happening to me. Because of her, I honestly believed I made it through the court system in 1 piece. Her calm confidence yet passion about the case instilled me with a sense that things were going to be alright. When it looked like the case was going to go to trial, she voluntarily motioned to have herself court appointed to me when I said I couldn't afford to retain her through trial. She fought tooth and nail for me along with other co-defendant lawyers and assisted in getting a 5 year felony reduced to a federal misdemeanor. A federal misdemeanor trumps a felony any day. And though I had to endure more than I had thought, I did so knowing that Gretchen was in my corner. If you want a lawyer who will be in your corner through every step of the process, you can do no better than Gretchen Taylor.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Professional and experienced. Best choice I made

    Posted by

    She is by far the best choice I made. She has been dedicated to my case, attentive and prompt to my needs, was glad to answer every question that I've had regarding my case even to the minute details without any judgment. I honestly could not have asked for a better lawyer. She has been there for me throughout the whole case whenever I needed her and I could tell right away that she really cared and was fighting for me with everything she had. I've never been to court before and was extremely nervous and did not know what to do at all. I had initially contacted other lawyers but she was the only one that was actually friendly and cared enough to patiently take the time to go over everything with me. She knew exactly what to do, how I needed to prepare myself ahead of time, very knowledgeable to the process, etc. Without her I am most positive I would be lost. The results of my case were much better that I could have ever expected it to be. I was originally charged with two misdemeanors which were dropped and two felonies which will eventually result in one misdemeanor as long as I follow through with my probation and conditions given to me by court. She is an "above and beyond" and I would definitely recommend her without question. Thank you so much for everything!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A Top Notch Attorney Representing Your Best Interests.

    Posted by

    I found Gretchen Taylor on the Internet which frightened me at first. But, let's face it. In legal cases, we are not necessarily going to ask friends or relatives and air dirty laundry so ..... you browse the net. We needed someone who had worked animal control violation cases and someone familiar with animal law in the jurisdiction where we were charged. I called Gretchen during the holidays, she called back, she had already looked up some particulars on our case, and scheduled us for an appointment on the next business day. Something extremely relevant to our case came up over another holiday weekend (Saturday night). Reluctantly, I contacted Gretchen, she was in CA at a Conference but handled the "emergency". Gretchen is extremely intelligent which I knew from her academic credentials. But, she also has savvy into the law and into people. While being YOUR advocate, she also doesn't pull punches but she works with you giving her opinions and recommendations. She is a keen negotiator while working in your best interests. Did everything work out exactly as we would have liked, "no" but I can honestly say I would hire her again in a minute. Even those on the 'opposite' side commented to me later: " I never worked with your lawyer before but I really liked her and was very impressed with her". Needless to say, I was extremely pleased with her advice and counsel.

    wonderful attorney

    Posted by

    I could not have asked for a better outcome. She helped me get my reckless charge of going 89 in a 55 down to just a traffic infraction. Ms. Taylor really does care about her clients, answered every little question I had, is extremely knowledgeable yet honest and fair. Ever step of the way she kept me well informed. I cannot thank her enough for every thing she has done.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (14)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Paul McGlone, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 2, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Gretchen Taylor is an excellent defense attorney. She is both a competitor and an advisor to me. Her experience spans courts all around Virginia, including work as a prosecutor and defense counsel. I am happy to recommend Gretchen Taylor for criminal cases here in Northern Virginia, in both state and Federal Court.

    Sandra Drewniak, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 31, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen is an outstanding litigator for DUI/DWI and all criminal matters. She thoroughly analyzes her cases and by doing so, gets outstanding results for her clients. She is very knowledgeable and is a pleasure to work with!

    Michael Lau, Animal law Attorney on Jan 8, 2021
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Gretchen and I served the same client. She handled the criminal aspect and I handled the civil aspect. I attended a criminal trial she conducted and I am thoroughly impressed with her quick responses to challenges from the prosecutor and from the judge. Trial work is as much of an art as fact finding. Gretchen is well versed in both.

    Jonathan Sheldon, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 10, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have know attorney Gretchen Taylor since law school and consider her one of the smartest, sharpest, hardest working attorneys in Northern Virginia. I would highly recommend her for a DUI defendant, or if you're facing a serious offense.

    Thomas Walsh, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 1, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have know and observed Ms. Taylor in a professional setting for years. She is an experienced litigator who is very comfortable and effective in the courtroom. She is well respected by her fellow defense attorneys, prosecutors and more importantly judges. Ms. Taylor's preparation on each case she handles is demonstrated in the outcomes she obtains for her clients. I would recommend her to any client seeking quality representation.

    Mark Petrovich, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Taylor is an excellent litigator who is a natural in the courtroom, and who possesses tremendous experience, ability and tenacity. She handles both State and Federal work, and has the tremendous disposition to deal well with clients, prosecutors and judges alike. Ms. Taylor always combines all her tools to obtain the best result she can for her clients.

    Carrie Fiedler, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly recommend Gretchen for your DUI/DWI case. Her skills and expertise are your key to a winning defense.

    Jon Pettis

    Ms. Lynch Taylor is a well repected advocate in the legal community. She is well versed in both the law and procedure and always provides her clients excellent representation. I endorse this lawyer.

    Sandra Drewniak, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 31, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen is an outstanding litigator for DUI/DWI and all criminal matters. She thoroughly analyzes her cases and by doing so, gets outstanding results for her clients. She is very knowledgeable and is a pleasure to work with!

    Ann Thayer, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 27, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen knows the law and the local court practices inside out which makes her successful at fighting for her clients. She does not back away from a challenging case and her knowledge of the dui laws and science behind them sets her apart from other defense attorneys. If you hire her you are getting not only someone who will come to court prepared to fight for you but also someone who cares about protecting your rights.

    Sarah Toney, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 26, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen is a very well respected lawyer all across the country. She is highly trained and a wonderful advocate for her clients. She will fight for your case and has the knowledge, passion and skill to make her one of the best DUI lawyers in the state. I highly recommend Gretchen!

    Diane Medina, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 25, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen is a skilled defense attorney in the area of DUI and is not afraid to fight for her clients' rights. Nationally recognized, her talent and experience are unmatched and I would recommend her services to anyone in her area needing a fierce warrior to go to bat for them.

    Karyn Missimer, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 23, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen has worked for both sides, prosecution and defense. So, she has a unique way of anticipating and deflecting the prosecutor's arguments when she is defending a DUI case. She also has the skills and knowledge necessary to win DUI cases. I highly recommend Gretchen's services.

    Deandra Grant, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 22, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Gretchen is an excellent attorney. She has an outstanding reputation with other attorneys nationwide. I would highly recommend her.

    Paul McGlone, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 2, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Gretchen Taylor is an excellent defense attorney. She is both a competitor and an advisor to me. Her experience spans courts all around Virginia, including work as a prosecutor and defense counsel. I am happy to recommend Gretchen Taylor for criminal cases here in Northern Virginia, in both state and Federal Court.

    Brian Geno, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 25, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Gretchen Taylor for over two years and had the opportunity to observe her in and out of the court room. She is a sharp litigator and a pleasure to be around. I am confident that she does excellent work. I expect that her clients are very satisfied. I endorse her.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates$400-$400/hour
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      60 minutes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card