Paul Christopher Galanides

PRO

Paul Christopher Galanides

4.9
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Richmond, VA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Appeals, Unknown

1561 East Main Street, Richmond, VA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Paul

Biography

Criminal and Traffic Defense for Adult and Juvenile Defendants

Over a dozen appeals before the Supreme Court of Virginia and several dozen in the Court of Appeals.

Whether it's a traffic ticket in juvenile court or capital murder, I've got the experience you need!

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 85%

I have devoted my entire career to handling criminal cases, beginning as a Public Defender and spending years as a prosecutor in both Virginia and Kentucky. I was death penalty certified in 1998, and over my career I tried @ 100 cases to a jury.

31 years | 1,000 cases

85%
Appeals 14%

I spent almost five years as an Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Criminal Appeals unit and was counsel of record for the Commonwealth in well over a dozen death penalty cases.

31 years | 100 cases

14%
Other 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Notable Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2022 2019

Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 25 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Kentucky for 30 years

State: Kentucky

Acquired: 1995

Former Member

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C.

1561 East Main Street, Richmond, VA, 23219

vadefensecounsel.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Paul online.

Paul Christopher Galanides's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

5 star (28)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Patrick Banker | March 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and Knowledgeable Attorney

Paul handled my case with professionalism and got the job done. While communication could have been better at times, he was knowledgeable and helped me navigate the legal process. If you’re looking for someone who knows the system and can represent you effectively, he’s a solid choice. I appreciate t...he work he put in, though I would have liked a bit more engagement throughout the process.

Posted by Charkin | September 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Charges Dismissed

I highly recommend Paul Galanides as an attorney. He handled my case with professionalism and dedication, keeping me informed every step of the way. Paul’s expertise and commitment led to my case being dismissed, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his support. If you’re looking for a lawyer who trul...y cares about his clients and delivers excellent results, Paul Galanides is the one to choose.

Posted by Barbara | July 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Charges Dismissed!

Paul Galanides and his paralegal, Kara, are very knowledgeable, professional and personable. They took their time explaining the law, the possible outcomes and why a lawyer with Paul’s experience could benefit my case. His fees were also quite reasonable! And I couldn’t have hoped for a better out...come--the charges were dismissed! I would highly recommend Mr. Galanides!

Posted by Charles | February 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Charges Dismissed!

After breaking up with my ex gf, she retaliated by calling 911 and completely fabricated a story to have me arrested. I was charged with Misdemeanor assault. I never touched her. I hired Paul Galanides for the appeal (jury trial in VA) after the County Court judge sentenced me to 2 weeks. I would... have had to serve this time had I not hired Paul. Mr. Galanides requested the officers’ body cams, never shown in the bench trial, and he even obtained the criminal history background of my ex gf. He spent time with me before trial going through all the evidence and it was clear Paul had methodically broken down the State’s case, which was all predicated on my lying ex gf. Apparently, it was clear to the prosecutor as well. They completely dismissed my case the day before trial! There could have been no better outcome. While the trial was pending, I was given access to legal assistant Kara, who fights equally as hard as Paul for you from behind the scenes. She’s outstanding in keeping you updated about where your case is at and cheerfully answers any questions you may have. Because she cares. Hiring Paul Galanides and Kara is the best decision you can make if you ever find yourself in a jam.

Posted by Ann | December 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Recommendation for Paul Galanides

Paul Galanides and Kara his paralegal are professional and knowledgeable. I chose Mr Galanides because he has expertise in Animal Rights cases. He has insight in dealing with animal related issues. I highly recommend Mr Galanides.

See All Client Reviews

Paul Christopher Galanides's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Paul
Matthew Thomas Mikula headshot
Matthew Mikula

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a fellow lawyer, I have seen Paul in practice. He works hard, he is diligent and he fights for the right outcome. Maybe most importantly, he appears to care about his clients and wants a good outcome for them."

Seth Parker Saunders headshot
Seth Saunders

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly recommend Galanides to anyone who is charged with a crime. He is a highly experienced and aggressive attorney who fights to defend each of his clients. I would encourage anyone who is facing charges to contact him to prepare their defense."

Abraham Del Rio III headshot
Abraham Del Rio

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Paul is an exceptional attorney whose legal acumen and passionate advocacy gets positive results for his clients. I fully endorse Paul without reservation."

Matt Clay Pinsker headshot
Matt Pinsker

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Paul is personable, highly experienced, and gets great results for clients."

Marc Alan Boyko headshot
Marc Boyko

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of working and interacting with Paul for many years. He is a dedicated and compassionate attorney who I highly recommend."

Mark Randolph Matney headshot
Mark Matney

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Paul served as a prosecutor for many years and now applies that experience as a zealous advocate for his clients. He is also someone who other lawyers can turn to for advice. He helped me in a case when I was new to one of the counties where he practices. I endorse him for criminal and traffic defense."

View All Endorsements
Raul Novo headshot
Raul Novo

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Thomas Mikula headshot
Matthew Mikula

DUI and DWI lawyer

Adam Michael Jurach headshot
Adam Jurach

Criminal defense lawyer

Barbara Earp headshot
Barbara Earp

Criminal defense lawyer

John Paul Gregorio headshot
John Gregorio

Criminal defense lawyer

Jonathan Beck Jordan headshot
Jonathan Jordan

Criminal defense lawyer

Amy Elizabeth Hensley headshot
Amy Hensley

Criminal defense lawyer

Dannie Ray Sutton Jr. headshot
Dannie Sutton

Criminal defense lawyer

Jay J. Levit headshot
Jay Levit

Employment and labor lawyer

Scott Thomas Poole headshot
Scott Poole

Criminal defense lawyer

Muneer Othman Awad headshot
Muneer Awad

Criminal defense lawyer

Greg Howard Bell headshot
Greg Bell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Howard J. Weintraub headshot
Howard Weintraub

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Raymond Lynch headshot
Andrew Lynch

DUI and DWI lawyer

Matt Clay Pinsker headshot
Matt Pinsker

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc Alan Boyko headshot
Marc Boyko

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

1992

Carlton B. Smith Award for Outstanding Graduate Thesis, James Madison University

1984

Athletic Director's Award, Norfolk Academy

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Paul C. Galanides, P.C.

2018 - 2018

Attorney, Carlson & Collier

2016 - 2018

Associate, Morrissey & Associates

2006 - 2014

Instructor Police Academy, Henrico County Police Department

2005 - 2014

Prosecutor, Henrico County Commonweath Attorney's Office

2001 - 2005

Assistant Attorney General, Office Of The Virginia Attorney General

1998 - 2001

Assistant Attorney General, Office Of The Kentucky Attorney General

1995 - 1998

Public Defender, Lexington - Fayette Legal Aid, Inc

1992 - 1994

Intern, University Of Kentucky College Of Law

Associations

2018 - Present

Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section

Member

2018 - Present

Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2005 - 2016

Henrico County Bar Association

Member

2003 - 2006

Sts. Helen and Constantine Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Parish Council Member

2001 - 2006

Capital Appeals Unit

Member

1995 - 2003

Kentucky State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Tyvon Smith v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Court of Appeals of Virginia

Four felony convictions (30 year sentence) reversed and dismissed

Commonwealth v. A.A. - Stafford County, VA J&D Court

Charges Nolle Prosse'd

Commonwealth v. Y.W

Convicted of Possession, fine and no incarceration.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

University of Kentucky College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

James Madison University

MA - Masters

1990

Washington and Lee University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2009

Seminar on Identy Theft

Identity Theft

2007

Seminar on Trial Conduct

Trial Conduct

2003

Seminar on Courtroom Demeanor

Courtroom Demeanor

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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