Short version: Karin did a fantastic job in defending me against a reckless driving misdemeanor charge alleging driving 81 miles an hour in a 55 mile per hour zone; she got the charges reduced to speeding (an infraction). I fully recommend her. Longer version: Most people are probably not... aware of the draconian penalties associated with a reckless driving charge in Virginia; I certainly wasn't. It turns out that an allegation that one is driving 81 miles an hour in a 55 mile per hour zone qualifies for a reckless driving charge, and reckless driving in Virginia is a misdemeanor charge. The risks of a potential misdemeanor conviction were serious enough that I ruled out representing myself. After doing some online research, I interviewed a number of lawyers and decided to retain Karin. It was clear that she was familiar with all aspects of the court procedures--both formal and informal--that apply to reckless driving charges in the county general district court. And she had a great deal of experience handling these cases. After I retained her, Karin provided me with advice on next steps. We had a number of phone calls, and I never once felt rushed during those calls. She gave me a realistic appraisal of the situation and helped reduce the anxiety that comes with facing a criminal charge. She was able to arrange it so that I did not have to appear in court personally. She handled the negotiation with the prosecutor and secured a plea agreement that reduced the charge to a lower speeding charge that amounted to a traffic infraction (a modest fine plus points). I am grateful to Karin for her excellent work; she resolved a situation that was very stressful in a way that allowed me to put this behind me, and she did so in a patient and understanding way. I recommend Karin fully and enthusiastically.

I was charged with reckless driving (20 mph) over the speed limit in Fairfax County, VA and Karin was able to get it reduced to speeding and a $150 fine. She was great to work with-very personable, responsive, and provided great guidance up until my court date. She made this process a lot less stress...ful! I would highly recommend her!

In September 2017, I was charged with 46.2-862 Reckless driving by speed (LIDAR 92-65) while traveling southbound in the I-395 Express Lanes just south of Rt 236 during rush hour. For DC beltway commuters, this is right after the two-lane southbound HOV adds a third lane and transitions to Express L...anes. Karin Riley Porter’s experienced and capable representation helped facilitate reducing the charge to 46.2-869 Improper driving with a $500 fine and only 3 demerit points applied to my driving record that will drop off in three years. This was an acceptable and far more palatable outcome than the alternative. Being found guilty of the original charge could have resulted in an automatic license suspension, 6 demerit points on my driving record for eleven years, a fine up to $2500, jail time and result in a class 1 misdemeanor criminal conviction that cannot be expunged. Traffic court can feel like it applies a guilty until proven innocent standard where the arresting officer’s opinion and interpretation of the facts hold more weight than your own; especially in more serious charges like that I was facing. I found this to be a very stressful perception, particularly when Karin told me it was unlikely I could have the charges dismissed. She helped put my mind at ease as we carefully reviewed all the evidence available and discussed potential outcomes that did not involve jail time or a criminal conviction. On my court date, after determining our judge assignment was advantageous, Karin met with the prosecutor and officer to see if we could strike a deal in lieu of going to trial. The prosecutor’s offer was not acceptable. Karin recommended a change in strategy whereby I seek mercy from the court in lieu of justice. Her initial recommendation was to humbly plead guilty and then ask for mercy in sentencing. I was and remain resolute in my belief that the results of the LIDAR were in error so I could not in good conscience go that route. After further consultation with Karin on alternatives, she presented a compromise that balanced my conscience and presenting humility before the court. I made a fully informed decision to enter a plea of no contest. Karin spoke on my behalf prior to sentencing. She explained the no contest versus guilty plea was because of my disagreement with the LIDAR results. She referenced my years of commuting through that corridor without incident, my otherwise clean VA driving record as a true +5 and other relevant information that established my personal character and integrity. The judge exercised his discretion and reduced the charge to improper driving. Karin’s experience and ability were noteworthy and directly responsible for the acceptable outcome of this case. I am truly grateful for her time and effort as well as the efforts of her office staff. I am most appreciative for Karin helping to facilitate an outcome where I could accept an appropriate level of personal responsibility without violating my conscience by admitting excess culpability.

Karin helped get public intoxication and trespassing charges dropped for me in a matter of just months. She was extremely thorough with me and kept me completely up to speed on everything that was happening. She also helped me prepare well in advance of what the court might ask so that I was in the b...est possible position to have the charges dropped. I do NOT feel the outcome would have been in my favor had it not been for her guidance and experience. Her professionalism was top notch and her compassion was as well given what a turbulent experience it was for me to endure.