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Paul L Mickelsen

Criminal defense Attorney at Vienna, VA

5.0   11 reviews
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  • State Years
    Maryland - MD 12 years
    Dist. of Columbia - DC 16 years
    Virginia - VA 17 years
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State MD
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 16 years
    State DC
    Acquired 2006
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 17 years
    State VA
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Excellent attorney and staff
Said
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
amazing attorney & staff
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Paul

Learn Paul’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    33%
    Being charged with a crime can be one of the most traumatic experiences you will ever go through. A criminal investigation and prosecution can rip apart your life and may ultimately result in you losing your liberty. Call now for a consultation.

  2. DUI and DWI
    30%
    Attorney Mickelsen is a premier DUI defense lawyer that aggressively and knowledgeably fights for his clients in Virginia. Since 2005, he has gone to battle for clients like you--call him now for a consultation and get the representation you need.

  3. Family
    15%
    Your family is the most valuable asset you have. If you are preparing for a difficult or emotional battle, such as divorce or child custody, call Attorney Mickelsen today, stop worrying.

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket
    12%
    Reckless driving | Aggressive driving | Accidents | Hit & run | Driving without a license | Driving with a suspended license | DUI | Habitual offender | If you have been charged with a speeding or traffic ticket, call Attorney Mickelsen now.

  5. Personal injury
    10%
    It only takes a split second. One moment you’re driving along, and the next thing you know you wake up in a hospital bed. There are a million questions: How did I get here? Where is my family? Am I okay? How am I going to pay for all this?

Paul has been practicing law since 2005. His areas of focus are in criminal and traffic defense and civil litigation (domestic relations, personal injury). In his criminal practice, he has experience handling serious felony charges (involving the potential of life imprisonment) and also has ample experience in traffic and criminal misdemeanors, having litigated over 2,500 cases.  He has a peer review rating of “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating an attorney can obtain. Paul has also handled appeals before the Virginia Court of Appeals and Virginia Supreme Court. 

Beyond the law, Paul enjoys performing in a local band and recording music. Paul and his wife Sarah live in Alexandria with their three daughters.

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Similar lawyers nearby

Tate, Bywater, Fuller, Mickelsen & Tull, Plc
2740 Chain Bridge Rd.
Vienna, VA, 22181
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
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Posted by Said | February 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney and staff
My first law firm and a very fantastic one indeed. Before the court day, communication with the Paralegal, Alicia Orellana, was excellent in preparing for my court day. Alicia is professional and very responsive. Paul Mickelsen was my attorney for a reckless driving case. During court day, I was very nervous as this was my first reckless driving case, and while I was in the courtroom, Paul approached me a couple of times and told me not to worry and that he'll take care of me, which was very reassuring and calmed me down. Paul got my reckless case completely dismissed, and the result was much better than many cases I have seen in the courtroom, which did not have a lawyer. Thank you, Paul, Alicia, and the team of Tate Bywater.
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Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
amazing attorney & staff
paul is absolutely the best. i could not be any happier with the results in my dui case. not only did he get it dismissed completely but he did so well that even the cop got caught in lies on the stand. i’m very thankful to have had him on my case as well as the wonderful staff that also had a helping hand in this, Nader Hasan & Belinda Fino. i highly recommend their practice!!
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Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
100% Reccommended
I cannot say enough about Paul. His representation was excellent, his billing rate was fair, and his legal advice was ethical. He also has a top-notch, responsive support staff that fully prepared him to be the smartest person in the room. Do not hesitate to retain him!
Posted by Kristin | May 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
traffic court
I was issued a ticket that would give me 6 points on my driving record and cost me $250. Paul negotiated with the prosecutor and I received 0 points and a fine for $100. He is a fantastic attorney.
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Respected Attorney Trusted By Judges
From big cases to minor traffic citations, Paul does it all. I retained Paul earlier this year to handle a legal matter. Paul resolved the case expeditiously, better than I had hoped for. Respected by opposing counsel, he negotiated a highly favorable resolution. When we appeared in court, it was clear the judge knew and trusted Paul as an honest, ethical, and excellent practitioner. That trust and credibility is something that few attorneys can match.
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Posted by Matt | November 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experience and Results
Paul was a consummate professional. He listened to my story, devised a set of strategies for my case, and was ultimately successful in getting the charges against me dismissed. I really valued his experience and common sense. As an attorney myself, I thought about representing myself, but I'm glad I didn't. I know that it was Paul's know-how that resulted in the favorable outcome in my case.
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Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Results!
Excellent, professional service with results! Paul obtained no prosecution dismissals on 2 misdemeanor charges and a felony theft charge. Patient and responsive through the whole process. Very satisfied.
Posted by anonymous | August 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
I thank Paul Mickelsen for taking my case. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend him to everyone.
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thankyou
I want to thank you a million ways, did not know how to tell you it. I would recommend you to anyone. Representative. Put me in a good situation from a really bad one. Very good professional attorney.
Posted by Kerry Harding | November 14, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Minimized the Legal Pain of a Divorce
I went to Paul because he came highly recommended. He proved early on that he new the legal nuances and of marital separation and divorce. He was compassionate, thorough, infinitely patient and demonstrated time and time again that he was my advocate to ensure that I understood not only the terminology but the process itself and that my interests and rights were adequately protected. He was kind, responsive and fair and always knew just the right time to inject humor into our conversations to make me feel less stressed. I couldn't recommend him any higher in any way than I am here.
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Posted by Ryan O'Leary | July 9, 2015
Outstanding Attorney, Exceeds Expectations
Paul Mickelsen was my attorney for a DUI charge in DC. The office was timely, courteous, and responsive, as was Mr. Mickelsen. Mr. Mickelsen's representation was impeccable. I cannot understate his outstanding professionalism, foresight, legal finesse, and ability to orate. I am happy to have been found not guilty. But had it been another case that resulted in any other verdict, I can honestly say that it would have been the best possible outcome regardless, because I would have been represented by one of the best attorneys I have ever encountered practicing law. Highly Recommend.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Tate, Bywater, Fuller, Mickelsen & Tull, PLC
  • 2014 - Present
  • Principal
  • Law Office of Paul Mickelsen, PLLC
  • 2011 - 2014
  • Partner
  • Bernhard, Gardner & Mickelsen
  • 2008 - 2011
  • Attorney
  • Bernhard & Gardner
  • 2005 - 2008
View all work experience

Education

  • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • Brigham Young University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2001

Legal Cases

  • District of Columbia v. Defendant
  • Not Guilty, Dismissed
  • Commonwealth v. Defendant
  • Not Guilty, Dismissed
  • Commonwealth v. Defendant
  • Not Guilty, Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Maryland State Bar
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Fairfax County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • VADefenses Listserv
  • Co-moderator
  • 2005 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale Hubbell
  • 2017
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • "10 Best" for Virginia for Client Satisfaction
  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Top Rated Lawyer, Washington D.C. and Baltimore
  • Legal Leaders
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)
Given (44)
Endorse Paul
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam
Family Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Highly capable family law attorney who is dedicated to client success."
Travis Downing Tull headshot
Travis Tull
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Co-worker
"Paul represents his clients at the highest level. He is a great attorney with the confidence and experience to tackle any issue."
Pierre Priale headshot
Pierre Priale
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Mr. Mickelsen. He enjoys a great reputation among criminal defense lawyers in Northern Virginia. He is highly knowledgeable of the law and an excellent litigator. Mr. Mickelsen cares deeply about his clients and is always ready to fight for them."
Christopher Brian Hatch headshot
Christopher Hatch
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Co-worker
"Paul is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has represented clients facing various charges from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He is responsive to the needs and concerns of his clients and is well-respected by his peers."
Douglas E Bywater headshot
Douglas Bywater
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Co-worker
"Paul is a fine lawyer. Always prepared and is fearless in court."
Raj Dua headshot
Raj Dua
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Paul for many years and have personally seen him try cases in court. He is a strong advocate for his clients and effectively communicates his case to the prosecutors and judges. I highly endorse this lawyer."
Thomas Crane Carter headshot
Thomas Carter
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I've watched Paul represent clients in Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax. His familiarity with the law, the judges, the prosecutors and even the police officers has translated into great results for his clients."
Thomas Brian Walsh headshot
Thomas Walsh
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul Mickelsen is an effective and tenacious litigator and criminal defense attorney. He works hard for his clients and the results are reflected in the wins he obtains for them. Mr. Mickelsen presents a charming and personable style that works well with both judges and juries. His professional demeanor and knowledge of the law has earned him the respect of judges and prosecutors. I recommend Paul Mickelsen to any defendant needing representation."
David Bernhard headshot
David Bernhard
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Co-worker
"Ability, commitment, integrity, tenacity and a friendly nature, are all qualities that describe Paul's approach to the practice of law. He started his legal career as my associate, into whom I poured what knowledge I could. I was quickly amazed at his ability to both think of the basics and out of the box, and of the many times in my collaborations with him that he developed effective legal tactics which I, with supposedly more experience, had not considered. As managing partner of his own firm, his abilities and accomplishments have only grown, and continue to well-serve his clients."
Thomas F Koerner Jr. headshot
Thomas Koerner
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Experienced, professional and enjoys the respect of the Fairfax County legal community."
James R. Tate headshot
James Tate
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is one of the best trial lawyers I have known. He is fluent in Spanish and really cares for his clients. He also gets very good results in his cases."
Paul McGlone headshot
Paul McGlone
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I'm happy to share a few thoughts about Mr. Mickelsen. Paul is a great attorney. Very meticulous. Great with details. Fights hard for his clients and doesn't let police and prosecutors push him around."
Eric Edward Clingan headshot
Eric Clingan
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Paul and I had co-defendants on a Robbery charge where neither the police officers nor the victims were able to consistently testify as to what they claimed happened. After we did some thorough research and performed careful cross-examinations, the cases were tossed out by the court. It was a pleasure to work with Paul on a case like this."
Jeffrey S Romanick headshot
Jeffrey Romanick
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend and endorse Attorney Paul Mickelsen. Paul is an excellent criminal defense attorney. I have no reservations referring him clients when I have a conflict or cannot take the case. Paul is knowledgeable, experienced and true trial lawyer."
James Francis Davis headshot
James Davis
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul is a great trial lawyer. He is smart, hard working, and cares about his clients. Paul enjoys a great reputation with judges and other attorneys in the community. I highly endorse Paul."
John Charles Bazaz headshot
John Bazaz
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Paul for many years and have seen him in action. Paul is, in my opinion, a consummate professional and trial lawyer. I strongly endorse Paul as a DUI & DWI/criminal defense lawyer."
Elizabeth Lauwaert Tuomey headshot
Elizabeth Tuomey
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is knowledgeable about the law, compassionate toward his clients, and is a zealous advocate. He is also one of the nicest people I know. He is well respected by the judges and prosecutors in Fairfax, and will not stop until he has obtained a good result for his client."
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Robert L Fredericks Jr. headshot
Robert Fredericks
Family
Nader Moneef Hasan headshot
Nader Hasan
Family
Caitlin Higgins headshot
Caitlin Higgins
General practice
Joseph William Shea III headshot
Joseph Shea
Litigation
David Scott Porter headshot
David Porter
Criminal defense
Karin Riley Porter headshot
Karin Porter
Criminal defense
Adam Ira Hancock headshot
Adam Hancock
Speeding and traffic ticket
Luis A Gonzalez headshot
Luis Gonzalez
Immigration
Brian Daniel Geno headshot
Brian Geno
Criminal defense
Kathryn Diane Bigus headshot
Kathryn Bigus
Estate planning
Christopher Brian Hatch headshot
Christopher Hatch
Litigation
Douglas E Bywater headshot
Douglas Bywater
Litigation
Gary W Desper headshot
Gary Desper
Unknown
Pierre Priale headshot
Pierre Priale
Criminal defense
Timothy Melvin Olmstead headshot
Timothy Olmstead
Criminal defense
Thomas Brian Haddock headshot
Thomas Haddock
Criminal defense
Jeffrey S Romanick headshot
Jeffrey Romanick
Business
Darwyn Levon Easley headshot
Darwyn Easley
Criminal defense
James Francis Davis headshot
James Davis
Criminal defense
John Charles Bazaz headshot
John Bazaz
Credit repair
Vienna Criminal defense Lawyer Paul L Mickelsen
Paul L Mickelsen
Criminal defense Attorney
Vienna, VA
Licensed for 17 years
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