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Jessica N. Carmichael
About Jessica
Biography
Jessica N. Carmichael defends clients in often high-stakes, and nationally-profiled criminal cases. She fearlessly handles all types of criminal matters. Jessica knows what her clients have at risk, and tirelessly works to achieve a favorable result for each and every individual.
Jessica has argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practices in both state and federal court. Prior to founding Carmichael Ellis & Brock, PLLC she represented clients at the Federal Public Defender's Office and at a private law firm in Alexandria, Virginia.
Jessica clerked for two Judges in Federal Court in Norfolk, Virginia where her husband, a Naval Officer, was stationed. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in communications from the University of Cincinnati, and her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. There, Jessica won several awards for oral advocacy, and participated in a clinic that allowed her to teach legal concepts such as freedom of speech to local middle school students.
Jessica spent a summer with the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, and a subsequent summer working for the State Department in the political and economic section of the United States Embassy in Manama, Bahrain. She volunteers at local law schools judging mock trial and moot court competitions. She is a member of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Federal Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Alexandria Bar Association.
Jessica's experience encompasses a wide range of cases, including terrorism, money laundering, bribery, mortgage fraud, cyber crime, robbery, immigration fraud, unlawful reentry, assault, sex crimes, DUI, drug conspiracies, and traffic offenses. She has represented federal law enforcement agents, military officers, business owners, cyber online activists, professional athletes, and many others in prominent criminal cases. She was named one of Washingtonian Magazine's Top Lawyers, and lives in the area with her husband and two children.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Federal Crime
50%
17 years | 500 cases
Criminal Defense
47%
14 years | 300 cases
Military Law
3%
14 years | 3 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 6 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
Licensed in Virginia for 16 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
CARMICHAEL ELLIS & BROCK, PLLC
108 N. Alfred Street, 1st Floor, Alexandria, VA, 22314
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Jessica N. Carmichael's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
31 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 16 - 20 of 31 reviews
Posted by Robert | February 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Awesome and Professional Lawyer
After meeting with other lawyers about my DUI case, I knew that Jessica had my best interest at heart the first time I met her. I hired her after our first meeting and she went right to work filing motions after motions in my case. Every time I talked or met with her she was frank and forthright with...
Posted by anonymous | February 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional, Patient and Persistent - Highly Recommended.
I was very diligent in finding good representation, and I could not have been happier in finding Harris & Carmichael - this is a great firm. Jessica was patient, diligent and persistent in my case, while offering me the peace of mind and sensitivity I needed. She gave me great direction and ans...
Posted by Donna | January 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Peace of mind
The relief knowing that my best interest was foremost in Jessica's professional practice can't be measured. Her representation was the reason I receive the results that I didn't dare dream of.
Posted by Charlene | December 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Jessica goes above and beyond for her clients!
I called Jessica Carmichael's law firm in a panic about my daughter's arrest on a probation violation and they were there for me immediately. I cannot say enough about the expertise and professionalism of this attorney. She did an excellent job, explained everything along the way and got results that...
Posted by Tracey | December 03, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Disorderly case
Harris & Carmichael, PLLC happens to be the most pleasant legal experience and representation I've ever had. My legal representative Mrs.Carmichael and assistant Sonya have made me feel that I wasn't merely a case file. They cared and Mrs. Carmichael pushed me to do my part to help them do theirs....
Jessica N. Carmichael's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jess is a top criminal defense attorney in the DC/NOVA area - highly skilled and attentive to client needs."
"Jessica has worked on some of the most high-profile and serious federal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia, in addition to her practice in all of the Northern Virginia courts of the Commonwealth and DOHA security clearance hearings. Not only is she one of the smartest lawyers in Northern Virginia, she gets straight to the point with her clients, prosecutors, and judges. I recommend her without hesitation and am proud to work with her."
"Jessica is an experienced extremely skilled trial lawyer and criminal defense attorney. She has an intimate knowledge of the Federal Court system that few attorneys can claim to possess. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone charged with a federal offense."
"Jessica is an experienced, hard-working defense attorney. While I was a prosecutor, I always had to put extra preparation into a case where I knew Jessica was on the other side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Charmichael is a very bright and knowledgeable attorney, who works hard for every client's case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jessica is truly one of the most diligent attorneys out there. Her courtroom confidence and ability to strategize about complicated cases are superior to many, many older attorneys. Maybe the biggest thing I have noticed about working with her as her passion for the clients' causes - no matter what the cases are about. In profession with many cynics, this is an important quality."
"Jessica is a lawyer's lawyer that is feared by prosecutors and trusted by her clients. Her reputation as a fierce and relentless litigator that obtains favorable results for her clients precedes her. If you hire Jessica to defend you when your life and liberty are at stake, you can rest assured that you have an attorney that is going to respect you, show compassion, be realistic, and fight for your freedom."
"Jessica is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a background in military law, which makes her uniquely qualified to represent clients in the Washington DC metro area and the federal courts. She's poised and professional, and a great asset to the legal field. I recommend her without hesitation."
"Jessica is a fantastic lawyer. She is professional, diligent, hard-working and dedicated to her clients. I respect her judgment and intellect and I highly recommend her."
"Ms. Carmichael is a very knowledgable, thorough and compassionate attorney. She is always prepared for court and takes the time to make sure that her clients understand every step of the legal process. I highly recommend Ms. Carmichael as a fellow attorney in the legal community."
"Jessica Carmichael cares deeply about each and every client and their cases. I have watched her handle matters both in and out of court. Behind the scenes, she is thorough in her research and investigation no matter the size of the case - from petty offenses to multiple felonies - she will leave no stone unturned. In court, she is poised and articulate, and clients are lucky to have her by their side. I highly recommend her."
"Jessica N. Carmichael is one the most intelligent and hardworking attorneys that I have ever met. I am impressed with her drive and determination every time I hear her arguments. I endorse her 100%."
"I have known Jessica for over 15 years. For as long as I have known her, Jessica has been a hardworking and passionate individual. As an attorney, she is extremely dedicated to her clients and will work hard to get them the best results. Jessica is smart, has a vast knowledge in her field and can handle any matter she encounters with diligence and expertise. As an attorney myself, I would refer, and highly recommend, Jessica to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney. If you are in search of a skilled and committed attorney, Jessica is the attorney for you."
"Ms. Carmichael is a thoughtful and strategic criminal defense attorney. She demonstrates exceptional skill in the courtroom and, as a result, achieves great outcomes for her clients."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Top Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine
2017
Top Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine
2015
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2008
Presidential Management Fellow Finalist, Office of Personnel Management
2008
Quarter-Finalist, Boston College Mock Trial Competition
2007
Regional Finalist, National Client Counseling Competition
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Partner, CARMICHAEL ELLIS & BROCK, PLLC
2013 - 2014
Attorney, Private Law Firm in Alexandria
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Federal Public Defender's Office
2010 - 2012
Judicial Law Clerk, United States District Court, E.D. Va.
Associations
2019 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationBoard Member
2016 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - 2008
Board of Student AdvisorsCo-chair
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. K.F. - DISMISSED!
Noll Prossed
Comm v. B.W. - Bench trial, FOUND NOT GUILTY
NOT GUILTY
Commonwealth v. D. W. - Possession of Marijuana - DISMISSED
DISMISSED
Commonwealth v. F.R. - Shoplifting - DISMISSED
DISMISSED
Comm v. S.U. - Motion to change plea to "Not Guilty," GRANTED
MOTION GRANTED
Commonwealth v. S.T. - Burglary - DISMISSED
DISMISSED
Commonwealth v. M.H., Domestic Assault DISMISSED
DISMISSED
Comm v. A.C.
REDUCED to misdemeanor and granted deferred disposition for dismissal.
Comm. v. R.F.
Charge DISMISSED
United States v. M.K.
Charge DISMISSED
Comm v. C.Y.
Charge DISMISSED and EXPUNGED
Commonwealth v. H.B. – (petty larceny)
Charge DISMISSED
United States v. T.A.
Charge DISMISSED
Comm. v. T.R.
Charge DISMISSED
United States v. M.R. (federal, felony prescription fraud)
Probation, no jail time
Commonwealth v. R.H. – (domestic assault)
Charge DISMISSED
Commonwealth v. R.S. (petty larceny)
Charge DISMISSED
Commonwealth v. B.D. – (Disorderly conduct)
Charge DISMISSED
United States v. D.M. - federal weapons charge DISMISSED
CHARGE DISMISSED
Education
2009
Boston College Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
University of Cincinnati
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Middle schools across Hampton Roads
Concepts in Constitutional Law
Publications
2015
The Champion
Help! The Government Deported My Witness!
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can i fire my court appointed lawyer and hire my own
10 Feb 2015
Q&A
What is a class u felony. for failure to return rental property.
03 Feb 2015
Q&A
A welfare fraud investigator requested an interview, do I have to go. Can I be arrested on the spot at the office.
03 Feb 2015