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 12 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by John | August 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Reckless driving charge

Lisa is phenomenal. My daughter was charged with reckless driving in Virginia just after graduating college. We were very anxious since my daughter was interviewing for jobs and a misdemeanor would hurt her chances. Lisa told us exactly what to do to help get the charge reduced. She was ALWAYS avail...able when I called or texted. Weekends, dinner time, didn’t matter, she responded. She got the charge dismissed. I’m so glad we hired Lisa!

Posted by anonymous | January 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney

You’re not just a number

Excellent communications. I knew what was going on every step of the way. The process was described in clear language and with complete honesty. I knew what was expected of me and when. Unquestionable legal experience and sincere focus on her client. I knew I was in good hands in a confusing and fra...nkly quite scary system. I knew my rights and my concerns for justice were carried forward with devotion and commitment.

Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

You’re best bet!

I had a possesion charge while enrolled in school and applying for internships that background checked. I called Ms. Caruso the day after getting charged and she helped ease my wary feelings and told me confidently what she believed what would happen, and sure enough she provided with great results. ...She asked certain things of me and I made sure to provide that (community service, good grades, clean tests) and she took care of the rest. Although all of my uncertainty, Ms. Caruso proved why she is truly the best in the business. If your looking for someone to work hard on your behalf and provide results, look no farther Ms. Caruso has your back!

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.

See All Client Reviews

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"

View All Endorsements
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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution