Lisa Kottak Caruso

PRO

Lisa Kottak Caruso

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Woodbridge, VA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

4309 Ridgewood Center Drive, Woodbridge, VA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Lisa

Biography

You can't afford to wait. Stop worrying. Call me immediately!

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 65%

The criminal system in Virginia can be very confusing, particularly if this is the first time that you have been charged with a crime. In Virginia, criminal offenses are generally classified as felonies or misdemeanors.

65%
DUI and DWI 10%

The courts in Virginia and across the nation take a tough stance against drunk driving. If you have been arrested for a DUI you need to be certain that you are represented by an experienced lawyer who knows how to effectively challenge the charges.

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

Allegations of domestic violence can have very serious consequences for you and your family. In addition to stiff criminal penalties, if you are accused of domestic or family violence you may be served with a protective order.

10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

While challenging a traffic ticket may seem like a hassle, it is important to recognize that you do have legal rights and options. It is also important to understand that a traffic conviction can carry serious consequences.

10%
Expungement 5%

If you want to have your record expunged, call Attorney Caruso to review your case and see what options there are available for you.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2019 2018
...
+ 2

Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 24 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Kentucky for 29 years

State: Kentucky

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Stevens Caruso

4309 Ridgewood Center Drive, Woodbridge, VA, 22192

stevenscarusolaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Lisa online.

Lisa Kottak Caruso's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

59 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (59) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Jarrett | November 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Choose Lisa ❤️

Lisa is beyond the most amazing Lawyer.She has been by my side and in my corner everytime I have needed her.She is very professional,very knowledgeable in all areas of defense!She also gave me hope at times when i didnt have hope in myself.For that i am grateful and thankful!Thanks to Lisa i was able... to have a chance at changing my life around for the better and becoming the best version of myself!Lisa you are special and amazing wishing you nothing but the best!Choose Lisa she is #1!!

Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Service

Lisa was recommended to me through a family friend. I hired her to handle a trespassing case for me. She was always professional, provided detailed information on my case and I felt as though she genuinely cared. I’m grateful for the family friend who recommended Lisa. I would hire her again should I... ever need legal services.

Posted by Sarah | May 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

An Attorney Who Gets Results!

Ms. Caruso knows how to navigate around the legal system. She is familiar with the process and how to negotiate for her clients. Ms. Caruso assisted my daughter with a traffic violation. She explained the process in detail to my very nervous daughter and put her at ease. Everything happened exactly... as she said it would. Overall, Ms. Caruso was extremely thorough, innowledgeable, firm, yet empathetic. All wonderful qualities to have an a top notch lawyer. She is a great advocate to have on your side.

Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Defense Attorney in the State

Lisa Caruso is an amazing attorney! Her professionalism, demeanor, and courtroom presence are beyond reproach. I came to her after incurring a brandishing charge. She was very knowledgeable and treated me with respect. She paid attention to me and my case as she did all her others. I know that there ...are more serious charges that one can be brought up on, however she knew that as her client I needed to be listened to and reassured me that she would do all in her power to represent my case thoroughly and with the best possible outcome. Throughout the process she was engaged and walked me through everything that was going to happen as it happened. She made me feel as if she was with me every step of the way. On the day of the trial she came prepared and defended me in court better than I could have asked for. She made great arguments and the case closed with a verdict of Not Guilty. Lisa is the best choice for a Defense Attorney in the state, hands down. While I hope to never have to go to court again for any reason, if I had to, Lisa would be my first call.

Posted by Heather M Taylor | June 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

NEVER HAD BETTER ATTY (i've had many)!!

I was so very blessed to be recommended to Lisa Caruso in Prince William County. Unfortunately, my record is extremely long. I have spent a lot of time incarcerated during my 47 years. My record is so terrible that in the event that I receive even a simple misdemeanor charge because my record is so t...errible, judges are reluctant to give me bond. In fact I met Lisa through a fellow inmate who recommend her services after I had already been incarcerated 5 months and had exhausted all 6 different Bond hearings & appeals...of which I was denied every time! I had used up all of my chances to receive Bond or even have a bond hearing. Not even a week after I contacted Lisa Caruso she got me out on bond, which began our relationship that I am so happy and lucky to have. She's the quintessential perfect lawyer. She not only is aggressive but she's also very professional, and stylish. She has all the necessary political contacts, and good relationships with the prosecutors and judges -which as you may or may not know is a huge part of the whole Justice system. Her confidence in her own abilities is infectious (and a bit cocky which I love but not snobby which is also great). During all the times of worry that I had during the process of my case, she always eased my mind. She not only assured me that she was going to help me (and that my fears were unnecessary) but she proved it every single time we went before a judge or prosecutor. I only had to tell her what it was I needed,! or wanted to come from our court appearance that day.. whether it was a continuance or some type of plea that I could live with ... she not only got me a plea that I could live with... she got me one that was even better than I could imagine. A Godsend is all I can say about Lisa. I am so very very thankful for the day that I met the girl who recommended her. Even that girl was under some serious serious charges of which she received very minimum minimum time. That girl also said she owed it all to Lisa Caruso. She believed that no other lawyer could have done what Lisa was able to do for her either. Not only the best Attorney I've ever had but, Lisa is very compassionate, and because of that I also consider her a friend. She's aware of my situation, and the fact that I am on disability. She not only worked with me as far as the amount of money she requested to take my case but , she has allowed me to make payments. For that I am also so very very grateful. I've had many lawyers ,both paid and public defenders, and I have never ever had a better lawyer!! Even the one I paid over $20,000 to many years ago (when my whole stupid jail system tour started ) did not have the skills or the ability to help me the way that Lisa has. Lisa was much better than that lawyer and I wish I had had Lisa back then. I wouldn't have gone through the things I have gone through since then. My suggestion is don't even blink an eye or think twice: Call Lisa Caruso right now... no matter where you are..even if you're in jail at this moment- call her collect! I did and it was the best decision I've ever made. Respectfully, Heather

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Lisa Kottak Caruso's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Lisa
Douglas Bradley Marshall headshot
Douglas Marshall

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly recommend Lisa Caruso for those in need of an outstanding criminal defense attorney. Her background as a former elected prosecutor and seasoned litigator give her a keen ability to analyze your case, negotiate a favorable resolution, as well as try your case when necessary. Her results speak for themselves. Her command of the law, procedure, and the rules of evidence is top notch. Lisa has also made a name for herself across the Commonwealth as a leader in the legal industry, having served in numerous State Bar roles as well as an appointee to special committees and commissions. She has also received several well-deserved awards, including Trial Attorney of the Year. Lisa is also a well-respected teacher of other lawyers on numerous legal topics. For these reasons and more, I wholeheartedly endorse Lisa without reservation."

Jeanne Elizabeth Brown headshot
Jeanne Brown

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lisa Caruso is a top notch advocate and litigator. She's confident- with the knowledge, experience, courtroom skills, and familiarity with the key players to back it up. I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Caruso."

Elsa Martin Seidel headshot
Elsa Seidel

Criminal defense lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I would recommend Lisa Caruso to anyone who needed a defense attorney. I worked for Lisa as her Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney for 7 years and I have known her substantially longer. Lisa is tenacious, and cares about her clients. Her experience runs he gamut of criminal law. She has handled everything from capital murder cases to traffic. She has an incredible working knowledge of the law and how the criminal justice system works. She has great people skills. Combined, those assets get the best results possible. Lisa would be my choice if a need arose."

Casey Rian Stevens headshot
Casey Stevens

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Lisa Caruso is a lawyers lawyer. She has years of extensive prosecution and years of extensive criminal defense experience. Having worked on both sides gives an attorney a unique perspective and the ability to more fully evaluate a case. Lisa is one of a very few attorneys that I would trust to provide me with representation should the need arise. --Casey R. Stevens"

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Elsa Martin Seidel headshot
Elsa Seidel

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven Paul Hanna headshot
Steven Hanna

Criminal defense lawyer

Casey Rian Stevens headshot
Casey Stevens

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Outstanding Achievement and Dedication Award, National Association of Professional Women

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Partner, Stevens Caruso

2007 - 2014

Commonwealth's Attorney, DInwiddie County Commonwealth's Attorney

2004 - 2007

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, Colonial Heights Commonwealth's Attorney

2003 - 2004

Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender's Office, City of Richmond

2002 - 2003

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for the County of Brunswick, Virginia

2002 - 2002

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for Emporia/Greensville County

2001 - 2002

Associate, Barnes & Batzli, PC

1998 - 2001

Attorney, Lisa Caruso, Attorney at Law

1996 - 1998

Assistant Public Defender, Louisville Jefferson District Public Defenders Office

Associations

2009 - Present

Virginia Criminal Justice Committee

Member

2002 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

1996 - Present

Kentucky Bar Association

Member

2013 - 2014

Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section Board of Governers

Chair

2013 - 2013

Director of Public Safety"s Task Force on Non-Violent Offenders

Member

2012 - 2013

Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section Board of Governers

Vice Chair

2011 - 2012

Virginia State Bar Criminal Law Section Board of Governers

Secretary

2010 - 2014

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

4th District Representative

Education

1995

Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

University of Louisville

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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