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John Edward Yancey Ellis
also known as Yancey Ellis
About John
Biography
Everybody knows the most common question posed to criminal defense lawyers: "How can you defend a person accused of [insert crime here]?" My response is this: "If someone, who is accused of a serious crime, is taken to the emergency room, would you ask the doctor how he could save that person's life?" No. Because doctors have taken an oath to save whatever life is brought before them. Just as I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, and my clients, in any situation. I believe that everyone has the right to a zealous defense. Period.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
19 years
Federal Crime
50%
19 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 20 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Carmichael Ellis & Brock, PLLC
108 N. Alfred Street, 1st Floor, Alexandria, VA, 22314
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John Edward Yancey Ellis's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Josh | August 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Aggressive, Passionate, and Genuine. Everything you should have in a lawyer!
Hiring Yancey Ellis was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my family’s legal issue. He is by far the most passionate lawyer I’ve ever encountered — zealous, aggressive when needed, and fully dedicated to giving us the strongest defense possible. From start to finish, it was clear that he ca...
Posted by anonymous | June 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fantastic lawyer
Helped me settle a case in 2017, was incredibly respectful and helpful the entire time. Other lawyers might've just put me in the first offenders program, Yancey worked with me to help straighten it out. Yancey proved there was insufficient evidence to charge me and got the case dismissed! Am truly g...
Posted by Marko | April 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best lawyer ever!
Hiring Yancey Ellis and Jessica Carmichael was the best decision my family and I could ever make. I was accused and eventually charged with marriage fraud, a federal crime, and even though I was and am innocent, the prosecution was dead set on convicting me. When I was arrested Jessica was my first p...
Posted by anonymous | August 7, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Defense and Strategy.. He is the man!!!!
I was charged with Assault and battery and got arrested. I lost the case earlier and i changed my counsel then. I picked Mr Ellis due to his reviews and reputation. I had all odds against me, police, evidence etc. My ex wanted divorce and use this criminal charge to damage my reputation, career and u...
Posted by Ashley | March 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great lawyer
I first worked with Mr. Ellis when he was my public defender a few years ago. He went above and beyond what I expected him to do and even got my case dismissed. When I got into some trouble a few months ago I didn’t think twice about who I was going to hire. Long story short I got 2 charges (on two d...
John Edward Yancey Ellis's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known and worked with Yancey for many years and in several capacities. As opposing counsel he was an outstanding trial attorney and I credit my courtroom time against Yancey with making me a better lawyer. We also worked together for several years as defense attorneys. He is one of the smartest and most fearless lawyers I know. Yancey never gets rattled on his feet and is always better prepared than his opponent. His calm demeanor and creative approach combined to achieve outstanding results and many Not Guilty verdicts. If you find yourself needing a military or criminal defense attorney, hire Yancey."
"Yancey is a highly-regarded and professional attorney in both criminal defense and military cases. He is diligent, intelligent, and always professional. More importantly, he always works for what is best for each client by providing sober advice and zealous advocacy."
"Yancey is a very knowledgable and smart lawyer. I had an obscure but critically important question about my case that could not be answered through the lawbooks nor general knowledge. Yancey generously offered his insights when I had a short time window to get my answer. His insights were clear, concise and on the money. I recommend Yancey's services."
"Yancey Ellis is a heavy hitter. He has a commanding presence in the courtroom, which stems from his broad experience and his sharp mind. I have gone up against Yancey in trial after trial, and he is always prepared and always ready with a winning argument. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"Yancey Ellis is an extremely experienced attorney both in criminal defense and military court. I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Ellis when a client of mine was facing separation from the military due to a criminal charge I represented him on. This client was 1 year away from retirement. Mr. Ellis was able not only to resolve the matter so that the individual was not separated from the military, but the client has since retired with full benefits. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Ellis to anyone looking for a lawyer in state, federal, or military court."
"I have had the opportunity to observe Yancey trying and winning cases. What separates him from other defense attorneys is his preparedness, which translates into knowledge of the law and confidence in the courtroom."
"Yancey is an outstanding attorney who has the skills and experience to handle the toughest cases."
"Yancey Ellis supervised me for 1 year when he was working as an assistant public defender in Alexandria. I observed and assisted him with many cases, and I was always impressed by the rate of his successes. Mr. Ellis makes criminal defense look easy because he is both a very effective litigator but also a very efficient one. His strategic and fearless approach to cases is suitable for all types of defenses from the novel to the conventional, and is consequently suitable for all types of clients. I would definitely feel comfortable referring a friend or family member to Mr. Ellis if they were charged with a crime in Northern Virginia."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly respected in the legal community and one of the best lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. As a Marine, he knows how to be aggressive and persevering. As a lawyer, he is intelligent and tenacious. This combination serves his clients very well in correctly analyzing situations to produce unorecedented results."
"I worked with Yancey Ellis on a complicated and high stakes military criminal case in which we defended an officer against allegations of wrongdoing based upon his actions on the battlefield in Afghanistan. I was thoroughly impressed by Yancey's supreme competence on nuanced legal matters, his diligence in standing up for the rights of our client, and his sincere desire to advance our team's cause in the face of heavy adversity. If I ever need criminal defense representation, I would actively seek out his services because I know he would do everything possible to safeguard my rights and advance my interests."
"I endorse this lawyer. I also endorse Yancey for state and federal criminal matters. We were co-counsel on a high profile war crime defense arising out of Afghanistan. Through hard work and diligent attention to the facts and the law, Yancey was able to obtain bench rulings on instructions that ultimately resulted in the dismissal of all charges. Thorough and dedicated, he is a counsel you would want in your corner"
"Yancey has a breadth of experience that has lent him a measured demeanor combined with tenacity and creativity. He is patient, never talks down to a client, and is respected by prosecutors, judges, and fellow defense lawyers in the community. To see him in court is to watch a true advocate who leaves no stone unturned in a case. I would hire him if I needed representation myself, and highly recommend him."
"Yancey is an incredible lawyer. He's dedicated, extremely knowledgeable, and will fight to defend your rights. I'm proud to work with him, and wouldn't hesitate to trust him with the most serious cases. I highly recommend Yancey."
"Yancey is a fantastic attorney. He is one of the most dedicated and competent lawyers in the field. He has my highest recommendation. If you are considering hiring an attorney, stop here. You need not look any further."
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David Dischley
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Experience
Honors
2012
Navy Unit Commendation, United States Navy
2010
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, United States Navy
2009
Defense Counsel of the Year for the Western United States, United States Marine Corps
2009
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, United States Navy
2009
Iraqi Campaign Medal, United States Department of Defense
2008
Iraqi Campaign Medal, United States Department of Defense
2008
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, United States Navy
2007
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, United States Department of Defense
2007
National Defense Service Medal, United States Department of Defense
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Partner, Carmichael Ellis & Brock, PLLC
2015 - 2018
Partner, Harris Carmichael & Ellis, PLLC
2011 - 2015
Assistant Public Defender, Alexandria Public Defender's Office
2010 - 2011
Associate, Tully Rinckey PLLC
2006 - 2010
Defense Counsel, U.S. Marine Corps
Associations
2015 - Present
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - Present
Alexandria Bar AssociationActive Member
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Virginia State BarActive Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. D.B.
Client avoids felony conviction!
Commonwealth v. W.H.
CASE DISMISSED!
Commonwealth v. Anonymous
Case dismissed after 6 months of probation!
Commonwealth v. D.P.
Client Gets Very Favorable Plea Deal
Commonwealth v. R.B.
Prosecutor Dismisses Charges!
Commonwealth v. T. S.
NOT GUILTY!
Commonwealth v. N.S.
Prosecutor moved to dismiss without prejudice.
Commonwealth v. Jessica C.
Dismissed
U.S. v. Richard C.
Client sentenced to time served.
Education
2005
George Mason University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
West Virginia University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
Child Safety 2015: Domestic Violence, Including Local, State, Interstate, and International Issues
Criminal Considerations in Protective Order Cases
2014
Annual Defense Counsel Conference
Preparation for Administrative Separations by Support Staff
2014
Annual Defense Counsel Conference
Litigating Murder to Manslaughter
2010
Annual Defense Counsel Conference
Tips for New Defense Counsel
Publications
2016
The Virginia Champion
Suppression of Evidence - Attacking the Warrant Affidavit Per Franks
2005
The Docket (GMU Law Student Newspaper)
Several Articles
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I withdraw plea deals if a judge denied me the first time. Can I file a Habeas Corpus for ineffective assistance ofcounsel?
17 Sep 2017
Q&A
Is there a way to remove a misdemeanor conviction from my record in Virginia?
17 Sep 2017
Q&A
WWhat does sp degree mean on a larceny charge?
17 Sep 2017