Phoenix S. Ayotte

Phoenix S. Ayotte

also known as Phoenix Ayotte Harris

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Administrative law Lawyer at Alexandria, VA
Practice Areas: Administrative Law

1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA

About Phoenix

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Administrative Law 100%

Security clearance revocations, suspensions, denial, appeals, and all related matters.

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 17 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

AYOTTE LAW, LLC

1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Phoenix S. Ayotte's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 27 reviews

Posted by Roy | May 09, 2016 | Criminal Defense

My Lawyer convinced me that she had my best interest at heart. And she did practice what she said. Unbelievable!

My lawyer was able to persuade the court to terminate further probation supervision imposed on Sept. 8, 2015. I am no longer on supervised probation. Thank you Mrs. Harris and of course your Honorable Judge.

Posted by Jassem A. | December 04, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A boy and his car..

On July 2nd, I was pulled over for tinted windows and later searched because of a marijuana stench I am not familiar with. I was with two people who were the culprits in the situation while I was the innocent driver. In the eyes of the Governments at work, we are all guilty until proven innocent. Wit...h Ms. Phoenix Harris in my contact circle, it was changed to innocent until proven guilty. She has remarkable talent in her field along with a stellar team working with them, especially wanting to express gratitude to Ms. Sonya Swansbrough as well! I don't know how they do it, they only show me how its done! Many thanks! Now I'm clean and serene and ready to get my life back on track! Before anyone thinks the payment is too much, ALWAYS REMEMBER that the money you pay is for the best representation availiable; with Phoenix Harris, you truly get what you pay for.

Posted by Steve | July 22, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Felony charge dismissed - amazing lawyer!

I hired Phoenix and she was able to get my felony charge in Alexandria completely dismissed. I consulted with several lawyers in Alexandria and settled on Phoenix, I'm very happy I selected her to represent me. She explored all avenues in my case, dealt with the prosecution positively with her great ...reputation in the community, and kept me informed throughout the process. Worked closely with Jessica Carmichael, and I could always count on her or Jessica to quickly respond to any of my concerns. Highly recommended!

Posted by Tom | May 04, 2015

Highly reccomended!

Very educated and knowledgeable attorney that handled my case extremely well! I will highly reccomended her to all my family and friends!

Posted by zide | May 03, 2015 | Criminal Defense

best lawyer possible

I had never been in any sort of trouble before and my case was a typical example of a police officer taking advantage of a college student who didn't know all of his rights. Phoenix really knows her stuff and got my case dismissed with no community service needed! I didn't think it would be possible ...for me to get out doing community service (because my friend who also got a ticket with me at the same time had to do 40 hours, he hired a different lawyer) Best decision ever was to hire Phoenix!! Her and her staff are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. They were always available to answer any questions i had. If you want a lawyer that will fight hard for you, keep you informed, give you peace of mind that your case is being handled by a professional, and someone who will try their hardest to get you the best possible results... the only person i would trust with my record is Phoenix!

See All Client Reviews

Phoenix S. Ayotte's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Phoenix
G. "Rex" Flynn Jr. headshot
G. "Rex" Flynn

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Ms. Ayotte. Phoenix is one of the most aggressive and tenacious courtroom warriors I have ever met. She obtains fantastic results for her clients and isn't afraid to go to trial. She's a skilled courtroom combatant, and someone that's well respected throughout the state and federal courtrooms in Virginia by both prosecutors and judges. In addition to all of the above, she is very approachable, thoughtful and kind. She is absolutely someone you want standing next to you at counsel's table when the chips are down and it's time to go to war. I highly recommend Phoenix."

Andrew Sheridan Criado headshot
Andrew Criado

Unknown lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Phoenix is a fighter. In case after case, I have seen Phoenix argue, negotiate, persuade, and do whatever it takes to get the job done for her client. She truly is a champion for her clients. I endorse her 100%."

Sean Sherlock headshot
Sean Sherlock

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Phoenix's reputation as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Northern Virginia is well deserved. I had many cases against Phoenix when I was a prosecutor, and I knew her to be one of the smartest, toughest, and most effective defense attorneys around. She's also a really good person who genuinely cares about her clients and is well-liked by prosecutors, judges, cops, and her colleagues."

Rebecca Janet Wade headshot
Rebecca Wade

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phoenix is a tough, smart lawyer. She knows the law and is a fierce advocate for her clients."

Lana Manitta headshot
Lana Manitta

Federal crime lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Harris on a matter in the Eastern District of Virginia. She is dedicated, intelligent, and determined, and provides her clients with high quality, experienced and knowledgeable representation."

Jean Kathryn Humbrecht headshot
Jean Humbrecht

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Harris without reservation. She is knowledgeable, experienced, hard-working, and a great trial attorney. Her clients are in good hands."

Andrew Rudolphi headshot
Andrew Rudolphi

Unknown lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Harris is a very knowledgeable and hardworking attorney who has dedicated her career to criminal defense."

Jad Najate Sarsour headshot
Jad Sarsour

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Phoenix, is a very talented lawyer and works very hard her clients. She is a top-notch attorney."

Mary Margret Nerino headshot
Mary Nerino

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Harris is exceptional. She is zealous, compassionate, and knowledgeable, and has an excellent reputation for criminal defense in the community. I am very impressed by her dedication and commitment to her clients' cases. I endorse this attorney."

Justin Seth Drach headshot
Justin Drach

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Phoenix is the attorney that another attorney would turn to for criminal defense services. She is passionate about her cases, genuinely cares about her clients, commands the respect of opposing counsel and the Court, and obtains favorable results for her clients."

Glen Adam Kotten headshot
Glen Kotten

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."

Kaamil Mushtaq Khan headshot
Kaamil Khan

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phoenix's clients benefit greatly from her wide variety of experiences upon which she can draw from. She is smart, creative, and easily approachable. I highly recommend her."

Crystina M. O'Brien headshot
Crystina O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I inherited a case that Phoenix worked because the Federal Defender's Office had a conflict. Her work was meticulous. She is an extremely talented and effective attorney. After I saw this file, I started to pay attention and noticed that the Judges and her opponents treated her with the utmost respect. She is a rising star."

Jennifer Raimo headshot
Jennifer Raimo

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I see Ms. Harris in court on a regular basis. She is always well-prepared and works hard to protect her clients' interests."

Jeremy Stephen Letnick headshot
Jeremy Letnick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She works for one of the most prestigious law firms in Virginia and I would recommend her services to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney."

Mikhail Nekrich Lopez headshot
Mikhail Lopez

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I had the pleasure of working alongside Ms. Harris on complicated and dense criminal issues. Not only does she work hard researching and drafting up issues, but she brings creativity to her representation. That creativity sets her apart from many others. She is an excellent attorney and caring individual who will investigate every aspect of your case. I highly recommend her services."

Brenton Daniel Vincenzes headshot
Brenton Vincenzes

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Hardworking, intelligent, and energetic. I would recommend her without hesitation."

Tatiana Mendez headshot
Tatiana Mendez

Federal crime lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Harris mentored me while I interned at the Federal Public Defender's Office, and has been a friend ever since then. She is exactly the type of lawyer I aspire to be. She is intelligent, efficient, and extremely hard-working. I would feel confident putting any legal matter in her hands, and contact her regularly for advice and guidance."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Pierre Priale headshot
Pierre Priale

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Ms. Harris. I have known her for many years and I have witnessed how passionate and hard working she is when defending her clients. In court she is always prepared and ready to go to battle for her clients. If you are lucky enough to have her as a lawyer, you should know you are in excellent hands."

View All Endorsements
Andrew Sheridan Criado headshot
Andrew Criado

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean Sherlock headshot
Sean Sherlock

Criminal defense lawyer

Anna C Chludzinski headshot
Anna Chludzinski

Criminal defense lawyer

William Wirt Brock headshot
William Brock

Medical malpractice lawyer

William Barry Turner headshot
William Turner

Criminal defense lawyer

Lana Manitta headshot
Lana Manitta

Federal crime lawyer

Andrew Rudolphi headshot
Andrew Rudolphi

Criminal defense lawyer

John Edward Yancey Ellis headshot
John Ellis

Criminal defense lawyer

Jad Najate Sarsour headshot
Jad Sarsour

Criminal defense lawyer

Justin Seth Drach headshot
Justin Drach

Criminal defense lawyer

Warren L. Harris headshot
Warren Harris

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Jessica N. Carmichael headshot
Jessica Carmichael

Federal crime lawyer

Bradley Rittenhouse Haywood headshot
Bradley Haywood

Criminal defense lawyer

Kaamil Mushtaq Khan headshot
Kaamil Khan

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy Stephen Letnick headshot
Jeremy Letnick

Criminal defense lawyer

Brenton Daniel Vincenzes headshot
Brenton Vincenzes

Criminal defense lawyer

Mikhail Nekrich Lopez headshot
Mikhail Lopez

Criminal defense lawyer

Tatiana Mendez headshot
Tatiana Mendez

Criminal defense lawyer

Karin Riley Porter headshot
Karin Porter

Criminal defense lawyer

Pierre Priale headshot
Pierre Priale

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine

2018

Top Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2016

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Top Lawyer 2015, Who's Who Legal

2015

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

TOP 100 TRIAL LAWYERS, National Trial Lawyers Association

2007

William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award, Dean Darby Dickerson, Stetson College of Law

2007

Leadership Development Award, Dean Darby Dickerson, Stetson College of Law

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Solo Attorney at Boutique Firm, AYOTTE LAW, LLC

2014 - Present

Founding Partner, AYOTTE CARMICHAEL ELLIS & BROCK, PLLC

2014 - 2015

Attorney, Law Offices of Phoenix Ayotte Harris, PLLC

2013 - 2014

Attorney, Greenspun Shapiro, PC

2010 - 2013

Assistant Federal Defender, Federal Public Defender, Norfolk

2008 - 2010

Assistant Public Defender, Alexandria Public Defender

2007 - 2008

Specialist, Federal Public Defender, Alexandria

Associations

2016 - Present

MSJDN, Military Spouses J.D. Network

Member

2013 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2013 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Member, Northern Virginia Chapter

2016 - 2019

Alexandria Bar Association

Board of Directors

2015 - 2016

Alexandria Bar Association

Chairman, Membership Committee

2015 - 2019

Alexandria Bar Foundation

Board of Directors

2015 - 2019

VACDL

Executive Editor of The Champion, Quarterly Publication

2014 - 2019

VACDL Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board Member, Representing Northern Virginia

2013 - 2016

Fairfax Bar Association

Law-Related Education Committee

2010 - 2014

I'Anson-Hoffman American Inn of Court

Member

2008 - 2010

Alexandria Bar Association

Board Member, Young Lawyers Committee

2008 - 2014

VACDL, Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

FELONY JURY TRIAL- NOT GUILTY- 12 minute deliberation

NOT GUILTY

Security Clearance- Foreign Influence- Reinstated

Clearance reinstated

Felony Possession of Illicit Digital Images- PROBATION

PROBATION, no incarceration

Felony Drugs, Felony Obstruction

CASE DISMISSED- MOTION TO SUPPRESS GRANTED

Anonymous- Security Clearance Appeal at DOHA

Eligibility granted

DOHA- Civilian Security Clearance- Reinstated

Security Clearance- granted

Commonwealth v. F.M.

ACQUITTED AT TRIAL

Commonwealth v. M.F.

ACQUITTED

Commonwealth v. R.D.- Domestic Assault and Battery

CASE DISMISSED

United States v. M.R.

90 DAYS INCARCERATION, 90 DAYS HOME CONFINEMENT

United States v. C.H.

GUIDELINES REDUCED AT SENTENCING, NO CARS OR PROPERTIES FORFEITED

United States v. R.D.

TIME SERVED and NO MORE PROBATION

Commonwealth v. A.C. - Felony Strangulation and Domestic Assault - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. M.F. - Att. Malicious Wounding - DISMISSED

CASE DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. J.A. - Felony PWID - Reduced to misdemeanor for a fine

REDUCED to a misdemeanor - FINE ONLY.

Commonwealth v. J.S. - PWID Cocaine - NO JAIL TIME

NO JAIL TIME

Comonwealth v. J.A. - Possession of Marijuana - NOT GUILTY

NOT GUILTY after trial.

Commonwealth v. LJ - DUI - REDUCED to Reckless Driving

REDUCED to Reckless Driving

Commonwealth v. T.R. - Robbery and Abduction - REDUCED TO MISDEMEANORS

REDUCED TO MISDEMEANORS

Commonwealth v. M.F. - Attempted Malicious Wounding - RELEASED ON BOND

RELEASED ON BOND

Commonwealth v. M.S. - Attempted Malicious Wounding - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. M.S. - Attempted Malicious Wounding - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Q.T. - Felony PWID Marijuana

REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR

Commonwealth v. Q.F. - Felonious Mob Assault - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. S.T. - Burglary DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. J.D.- Counterfeiting and Marijuana - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. D.A. - Contributing to Deliquency of a Minor Through Sodomy - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. C.W.

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Evans

Felony DISMISSED, Vehicle RELEASED

Commonwealth v. K.S. - Public Urination

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Z.B. - DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Farrakhan

Commonwealth v. R.G. - ARMED ROBBERY

DISMISSED

U.S. v S.Y.- Federal Fraud

NO JAIL TIME

Commonwealth v. D.A. (Concealed Weapon) DISMISSED

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. A. C. (ARSON)

REDUCED for future DISMISSAL

Commonwealth v. Nur - burglary

CASE DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. R. Franklin - sexual battery

CASE DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. N.H. - Felony Child Abuse/Neglect

REDUCED to a misdemeanor - 1 weekend in jail - NO PROBATION

Commonwealth v. Demetris A. - Credit card theft, forgery, and fraud (5 felonies)

REDUCED TO MISDEMEANORS- NO JAIL TIME

Commonwealth v. Jasmine J. - Assault and Battery

DISMISSED

United States v. G. B. -Obscene Acts

NO JAIL TIME - probation only

Commonwealth v. Juliana S.

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Green (Drug manufacturing, possession of assault weapons)

BOND GRANTED

Commonwealth v. Andrew B. - Felony Theft

NO JAIL TIME

Commonwealth v. William R. - Firearm in an Airport

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Charlotte G. - Child Abuse

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Chavez-Hernandez

DISMISSED

Commonwealth v. Gibson

Felony dropped to misdemeanor, for immediate release.

Commonwealth v. Torres

DISMISSED

In re: K.C.

Expulsion avoided

United States v. Vick

DISMISSED

United States v. Duncan

Dismissed, client released

Commonwealth v. T.C.

Charges DISMISSED.

United States v. Shanklin

DISMISSED, client released

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Stetson University College of Law

J.D. Cum Laude

2004

Georgia State University

Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2013

CJA Panel Training

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Publications

2016

The Virginia Champion Suppression of Evidence - Attacking the Warrant Affidavit per Franks

Languages

English

Activity

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