Gretchen Lynch Taylor

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

My case was a serious one I would say. Going to trial on Robbery and Abduction for Pecuniary Benefit charges. Gretchen was attentive and did far more than I could have asked.

I hired Gretchen on appeal after being convicted on a DUI charge in District Court. Why: Gretchen Believed: After explaining the case details. She was excited about all the opportunities my case provided to obtain a dismissal or not guilty verdict. We encountered several obstacles with logistics and evidence, but she never seem discouraged; or waned in our ability to win. Gretchen's Resourceful: As an asthmatic, I needed a medical expert to provide credible testimony of the challenges asthmatics can sometimes face providing breath samples. She was able to identify and retain an expert in less than 10 days; whereas my withdrawing attorney initially opted not to and later could not find one with 90 days time. Gretchen Communicated: Clearly, concretely, and regularly about what needed to be done, by who and when. Between Gretchen, the medical expert and I, it felt like I was a member of my own "high-power legal team." We all had our part to play, not only in trial, but research and preparation. The more and better tools we placed in her arsenal, the more dynamic her defense. Gretchen is good with detail: She understands and/can quickly learn great detail. She demonstrated command of breath testing machinery, variances between devices and limitations. Gretchen was able to draw out uncertainty and contradiction in the officer's testimony; while also spotlighting the officer attestations to behaviors the officer testified I demonstrated properly. Gretchen's Cool Under Pressure: We drew a prosecution friendly judge who was very "generous" to the prosecution on objections, frequently rushed ; who, at the end, effectively pleaded for the prosecution to give him case law that would allow him to convict beyond the statute both the prosecution and defense agreed was applicable. Gretchen was able to use the judge's zeal for throwing out testimony or sustaining objections against defense witnesses against the prosecution’s witnesses; in one case totally eliminating one witness’s ability to testify all together (the officer was dismissed prior to answering a single question about the case). Gretchen's Adaptive: Gretchen was able to take the feedback I provided during the trial of the officer's testimony and integrate it into her cross to further tease out questionable testimony. Bottom Line: Gretchen Argued The Case That I Was Totally Satisfied, Regardless of the Verdict. nevertheless . . . the verdict was: NOT GUILTY

Gretchen went the extra mile within her investigation, discoveries, and insuring my comparability. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a lawyer with time, attention, and pure professionalism.

Being indicted by the U.S. Government is a nightmare I would not wish on anyone. When our son was faced with the possibility of 20 years in prison for a first-time drug offense, we were frantic. Thankfully, a local attorney recommended Gretchen Taylor. After meeting with her for a consultation, our son knew he had found someone who would not only represent him well, but who cared about him as a person. Ms. Taylor's years of experience in federal court were invaluable in this case. She is professional, knowledgeable, and very respected by her colleagues on both sides. She is honest and open. She thinks outside the box--to her, every case is unique and should be considered from all angles.No stone is left unturned. She is very easy to reach and very responsive. She is also very patient and understood the anguish our family was going through. She made our son feel comfortable and confident going into federal court. She exudes confidence and calm. And she also has a warm sense of humor. We can't say enough about Gretchen Taylor. The outcome of our son's case was so much better than we had hoped for, and that's thanks to Ms. Taylor.

She is very focused,experienced and very understanding. Ms.Taylor defended a juvenile criminal charges. We are very satisfied with the excellent results. She is very optimistic,knowledgeable, and supportive. I highly recommend Attorney Gretchen Taylor.

Well I was recently arrested for a pretty hefty misdemeanor and was very uncertain and pessimistic about what the outcome of the case would be (also was my first time dealing with the legal system), but Counselor Taylor kept myself and my family well informed and reassured through the whole ordeal and I was more than happy with the outcome. She is very understanding and really fights for your best interest as well as the best possible outcome. Represents her clients with honesty, perseverance, and great optimism when you truly need it most. You are in good hands by hiring Gretchen Taylor as your attorney. My family and I truly thank Counselor Taylor for all her work and expertise in all this. Awesome, Highly recommended!!

After being charged with the serious offence of DUI, I expected the worst: severe driving restrictions, higher insurance, consequences affecting my business, and a permanent mark on my record. Quite frankly, I was terrified of the outcome and what could prove to be a life changing event. Thanks to the aggressive defense of Gretchen Taylor, I avoided a DUI conviction. I’ve never had a need for a lawyer before, but knew these charges were not something to face alone. After release from jail, I immediately went to work on selecting a lawyer. Gretchen was recommended by a friend, and also a highly respected Fairfax DUI attorney, who does not practice in Federal Court. After my consult with Gretchen, I knew she was well-suited to deliver the results needed. She quickly outlined the gaps the US Attorney would have to overcome for a conviction and assured me that there was reason for optimism. Throughout the coming weeks, she prepared the case and was in contact updating me on the progress. We even made a trip to the place where I was arrested, so we could provide the court with an accurate photographic description of the roadway for trial. In the courtroom you can tell Gretchen is in her element; she backed the US Attorney into a corner right away by requesting a jury trial. She whole heartedly felt a jury of my peers would see the deficits she was beginning to unravel in the case. After Gretchen made a motion for trial, the US attorney offered to reduce all charges (DUI & Refusal) to “improper driving”, one of the lowest traffic violations which is similar to running a stop sign or failing to signal. Gretchen Taylor is your best advocate when it comes to a successful DUI defense. I am eternally grateful for all her hard work, expertise, and care applied to my case. If I am ever in need of an attorney, Gretchen will be the first and only call I make.

Ms. Taylor is very knowledgeable in her field, always keeps you informed, and knows the system very well. Her confidence and compassion made me feel I had the best attorney for my case. Thanks to Gretchen, the outcome turned out in my favor. I highly recommend her to anyone interested in a top notch criminal lawyer in Virginia.

It took me some time to write this review because I simply cannot find the right words to describe how awesome Gretchen is. I feel proud of myself for making the right " LIFE CHOICE DECISION" and hiring Mrs. Taylor as my Attorney. Needless to say, I was doing my research and searching for a DUI attorney to handle my case for over a month. The moment I met Gretchen, I knew " this is it". I was found guilty , and Gretchen saved my life. Here it is: 1. super sharp and detailed, always steps ahead and on top of the things 2. available!!!!! e-mail, text, cell, always in contact with the client and impressive memory, I almost felt like I am her only client :) 3. extremely charming. Judges simply like her, and compliment her, we had to appeal - the judge found me guilty. Yet, complimented Gretchen " you defended your client admirably" She does not even have to try. She just has that presence. 4. So about the appeal. She just held my hand and said " Appeal". I was not even thinking clearly, - hopeless and lost. She saved my life. Went extra 1,000.00 miles to prepare for the appeal , and we WON!!!!! 5. And she is very emotionally supportive. While I was on the stand, and the Prosecutor was " attacking" me, all I had to do is look at Gretchen to compose myself. So like I said - words cannot describe how greatful I am to Attorney Taylor. All I can say -" I was in good hands". She rocks. She is wonderful. She is professional. And she is the winner. I spoke to a few people who were convicted with DUI and simply saying - " my lawyer never even obtained the video tape", well,- not the case with Gretchen.... she is just awesome! Thank you Gretchen. Thank you.

Gretchen was a great attorney. Always one step ahead of the game. Very easy to communicate with and very knowledgeable about her facts on my case.