Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
77 Client Reviews
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Sheryl Ann Shane
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About Sheryl
Biography
Sheryl Shane – Aggressive Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney with Over 30 Years of Proven Results
Located directly across from the Fairfax Courthouse, Sheryl Shane is a Fairfax criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience and a proven winning track record in criminal defense cases. Her practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense in Fairfax, Virginia and surrounding areas, representing individuals charged with serious criminal offenses and fighting to protect their freedom.
When people search for the best criminal defense attorney in Fairfax, Virginia, they are looking for experience, results, and courtroom strength. Sheryl Shane brings all three. With over three decades of experience as a criminal trial attorney in Fairfax, she prepares every case for trial from day one. She challenges police procedures, attacks unreliable evidence, files strategic motions to suppress evidence, and aggressively cross-examines witnesses.
As a highly experienced Fairfax criminal defense lawyer, she understands the local courts, the prosecutors, and the procedures that shape criminal cases in Fairfax. Her deep knowledge of criminal law, forensic evidence, and trial strategy gives her clients a distinct advantage inside the courtroom.
Sheryl Shane has earned a reputation as an aggressive and results-driven criminal defense attorney in Fairfax. Prosecutors know she will contest weak evidence. Judges respect her courtroom experience. Clients rely on her because she has spent over 30 years delivering strong criminal defense representation and achieving favorable outcomes.
If you are facing criminal charges in Fairfax, Virginia, you need more than just legal advice. You need a seasoned Fairfax criminal defense attorney with a long record of courtroom victories and over 30 years of focused criminal defense experience.
Contact Sheryl Shane today if you are looking for an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney in Fairfax who is prepared to fight and win.
31 Years Criminal Defense Attorney. Aggressive Trial Lawyer. Winning Record.
31 Years Criminal Defense Attorney. Aggressive Trial Lawyer. Winning Record.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
32 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 25 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 31 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Virginia Criminal Attorney
(703) 783-1325
Fax
4015 Chain Bridge Rd #J, Fairfax, VA, 22030
thevirginiacriminallawfirm.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Sheryl online.
Sheryl Ann Shane's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney
professional and great experience
Sheryl Shane was professional responsive and easy to communicate with . We are very happy with result and highly recommend
Sheryl Shane
Replied last April 02, 2026I am not sure who wrote this review - but it is always nice to hear that I handled my client's case well and we must have had a positive outcome. I am very fortunate over these past 31 years getting to know my clients and the criminal court system. My goal is to treat my clients the way I would like to be treated in their circumstances and also to win! Thank you.
Posted by Aamna | January 29, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional and Easy to speak to
I had an excellent experience working with Sheryl Shane on my criminal defense case. She was very approachable, easy to talk to, and always clear when explaining my options and next steps. She advised me to complete community service hours and attend a course prior to my court date, which helped put ...
Sheryl Shane
Replied last April 02, 2026Thank you for the review. I hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes. Attorney Sheryl Shane, serving Fairfax Virginia and surrounding areas.
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Above and Beyond With Time and Advice
I want to thank attorney Sheryl Shane for the time, professionalism, and genuine care she showed me. I reached out to over 10 criminal defense attorneys seeking guidance, and she was the only one who responded and took the time to actually speak with me. She did not rush the conversation, dismiss ...
Sheryl Shane
Replied last April 02, 2026Although I do not know who wrote this - thank you for doing so. I have been practicing for years and it seems now that many people do read these reviews. Thank you. Virginia Criminal Attorney Sheryl Shane serving Fairfax County, Virginia and surrounding areas.
Posted by Nicole | June 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great Choice
So glad i made contact with Sheryl. She helped me every step of the way through a case recently. I was very nervous and out of my element and she was patient and took the time to explain the predicament I was in and what the possible outcomes could be. I ended up getting the case dismissed by Sheryl ...
Posted by Katherine | February 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Very professional, informative, and compassionate
My case was dismissed after consulting Sheryl at one of the lowest times in my life. She laid out all the possible outcomes specific to my charges and gave me great assurance. She is transparent and easy to talk to and referred me to her associate Jay Pickus who also did great work to get my charges ...
Sheryl Ann Shane's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Sheryl is always well prepared and works hard to protect her clients. She is well versed in the law and enjoys the respect of Judges and colleagues alike."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked together with Sheryl on a number of client matters. She was thorough, intelligent and diligent. She was an asset to our team."
"Sheryl Shane is a fine trial lawyer. I’ve known of her and her trial practice for about 20 years. She is always well prepared and works very hard defending her clients. She is very passionate about her criminal practice and will do wherever is necessary to take her case to trial if that is best for her client. I endorse her as an excellent trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sheryl Shane is a well known and respected member of the bar. She takes great care in handling her cases and meets the challenges of courthouse practice with ease and intelligence. She is also carries a wonderful demeanor and has a great personality."
"I know Sheryl for years, I have litigated next to her. She is a highly competent lawyer who fights for her clients. Is a pleasure working with her and I highly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Sheryl Shane since 2004 and I found her to be a dedicated and committed attorney. She zealously represents her clients bests interests and seems to perform to their satisfaction."
"I have been a licensed attorney for approximately 31 years. I few months ago I consulted with Attorney Shane concerning a client who was a criminal defendant and who I suspected was incompetent to stand trial. Attorney Shane was very knowledgeable about all of the procedures I would need to follow to protect the interest of this client. I know her to be aggressive and effective in advocating for her clients. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of criminal law. I endorse this lawyer."
Ronald Smith
Criminal defense lawyer
Andaleeb Geloo
Criminal defense lawyer
George Wooditch
Criminal defense lawyer
Luis Perez
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Schnider
Immigration lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Client Choice Award, Martindale-Hubbell®
2005
Commonwealth of Virgina - Guardian Ad Litem, Judge Sponsored
1996
Arbitration Judge, Cuyahoga County Arbitration
1993
Juris Prudence for Ethics, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Work Experience
2000 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Virginia Criminal Attorney
1994 - 2000
Personal Injury Attorney, Shane, Shane & Henderson LPA
Associations
2005 - 2008
Fairfax Bar AssociationMember
2003 - 2004
Arlington Bar AssociationMember
1994 - 1997
Cuyahoga County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Domestic Violence
Dismissed
Brandishing Firearm
Dismissed.
Drug distribution charges
Reduction
Assault & Battery Trial at Arlington Circuit Court
Won
Domestic Violence and Protective Order Violation
Won
Simple Assault & Battery
Dismissed
Larceny
Dismissed.
Stalking
All charges dismissed
Aggravated Battery
Jury trial - hung jury
DUI
Won.
Assault & Battery on Policeman
Won
Attempted Rape
Dismissed
Domestic Violence
Won
Aggravated Sexual Battery
Dismissed.
Robbery
Won
Multiple Charges Fraud
Won
Personal Injury
Won
Custody, Visitation, and Support
Won
DWI and Refusal
Won
DWI - Third Offense
Won
Assault & Battery on Police Officer
Won
Abduction
Won
Stranglulation
Won
Possession of Weapon as Felon
Won
Education
1993
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
University of Colorado
Business
1983
Ohio University
B.A. Psychology
Speaking Engagements
2025
Lawline.com
Virginia Landlord - Tenant
2025
Lawline.com
Preparing a Trial Notebook
2025
Lawline.com
Antisemitism in and Affecting the Law Firm
2025
Lawline.com
Keeping Up with Ethics in a Mobile, Digitized World-Working Remotely
2025
Lawline.com
Ethics 101: Maintaining an Ethical Practice
2025
Lawline.com
The Processes and Systems of Human Memory - And How They Can Impact Any Criminal
2025
Lawline.com
Deepfake Cyber Incidents: Threats, Mitigation, and Response
2025
Lawline.com
From the Initial Phone Call to the Closing Letter: The Practical Knowledge Needed
2025
Lawline.com
AI, Law, and Liability: Who's Winning, What's Stopping Us, and What's Next
2025
Lawline.com
Environmental, Social Governance (ESG), and the Roles of Relevant Stakeholders
2025
Lawline.com
Preparing for the Long Run: Mental Health
2025
Lawline.com
Advanced Trial Skills: Closing Argument
2024
Lawline.com
Don't Risk Ethic Violations
2019
lawline.com
Mediation for Plaintiffs in Personal Injury Cases
2019
Lawline.com
Ethically Representing Parties in Insurance Coverage Matters (Update)
2019
Lawline.com
ERISA-Based Long Term Disability Benefit Claims & the Updated 2018 DOL Regulations
2019
Lawline.com
Ethics in Family Law (Update)
2019
Lawline.com
Cannabis Regulation in a Post-Cole Memo World: Expecting the Unexpected
2019
Lawline.com
Nuts and Bolts of Litigating Personal Injury Cases in Virginia General District Courts
2019
Lawline.com
Effective Use of Depositions in a Personal Injury Trial
2019
Lawline.com
Basics of Affirmative Asylum
2019
CMCS Management Inc.
Diffusing Deceptive Defense Medicine and Insurance Settlement Formulas
2018
Lawline.com
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity
2018
Lawline.com
Liens in VA Personal Injury and Malpractice Cases: Ethical Considerations
2018
Lawline.com
Protecting the Home and "Aging in Place"
2018
Lawline.com
An Overview of U.S. Immigration Law (What Every Lawyer Should Know)
2018
Lawline.com
Data Protection, Security & Legal Ethics
2018
Lawline.com
Collateral Consequences of Marijuana Laws: A Practical Approach to Criminal Defense of Marijuana Laws
2018
Lawline.com
Internet Advertising: Doing It Right and What Might Happen If You Don’t
2018
Lawline.com
Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors of Cannabis Insurance: What Policyholders Need to Know
2016
The consequences of Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
2015
Drug Free Business Environment
Construction Workers - drug free environment
2014
Middle School Children Tours
Mock Court Fairfax Courthouse - tours to students
2013
Fairfax Courthouse
Mock Court
1994
Mock Court Judge for Law Students
Mock Court
Publications
2025
Blog
Sexual Battery
2018
NBC4 Washington
Woman: Air Force Officer Groped Her, Asked If She Liked It
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Background Check
03 Dec 2025
Q&A
I am on probation with good behavior but I was arrested yesterday. How do I inform my P.O and will that be a violation?
27 Nov 2024
Q&A
What will happen when I go back to court while on the first offender program with a fail drug test
17 Apr 2023