Licensed for 17 years

State VA

Acquired 2005

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Mitchell Mead Wells

Criminal defense Attorney at Richmond, VA

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Virginia Reckless Driving Charge

I-95 Reckless

About Mitchell

Learn Mitchell’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Practice Areas:

Criminal Law
Firearms Law
Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Traffic Violations

Admitted:

Virginia
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia

Education:

William and Mary School of Law, J.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University, M.P.A.
Virginia Military Institute, B.A.

Biography:

Mitchell M. Wells concentrates his law practice in the areas of criminal law, DUI and traffic violations, and has defended thousands of cases.

Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Wells served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Health Care Fraud section of the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Wells was responsible for supervising various fraud investigations and litigating Virginia false claim actions in federal court pursuant to the Federal False Claims Act and the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act.

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Wells served as a Virginia State Trooper for eight years. Mr. Wells investigated thousands of criminal, drug, DUI, traffic and accident cases; was rated "exceptional" by the Virginia State Police; and, he received 23 commendations for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was also filmed by the television show "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol." Mr. Wells was certified by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science as a Breath Test Operator, and by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as a Crime Prevention Specialist, General Instructor, R.A.D.A.R. operator, V.A.S.C.A.R. operator, and to administer the NHTSA standardized field sobriety tests.

While attending law school, Mr. Wells was a summer law clerk to the Honorable Robert E. Payne, Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, and prosecuted criminal, DUI and traffic cases as an intern for the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for Henrico County, Virginia.

Mr. Wells represents clients throughout the Richmond-Petersburg Central Virginia area which includes the following jurisditions: Caroline County, Town of Bowling Green, Hanover County, Henrico County, New Kent County, City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, City of Colonial Heights, City of Petersburg, City of Hopewell, Prince George County, City of Emporia, Greensville County, Sussex County, Town of Waverly, Dinwiddie County, Brunswick County, Town of Lawrenceville.

Member:

Virginia State Bar
National College for DUI Defense
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Richmond Criminal Bar Association
Lewis F. Powell, Jr. American Inn of Court

Published:

VIRGINIA GUN LAW:Armed And Educated (U.S. Law Shield 2017)
Brannon v. Commonwealth, Record No. 1419-07-2, (Va. Ct. App. 2008)
Co-Author, "Defending The DUI Charge," VTLA Journal, Volume 19, Number 4, 2008

Continuing Legal Education:

The Art of Persuasion: Painting Powerful Images In DUI Cases
Frank Dunham Federal Criminal Defense Conference
4th Annual Indigent Criminal Defense: Advanced Skills For The Experienced Practitioner
Virginia Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
Defending Serious Traffic Cases: Smart Strategy, Creative Tactics
3rd Annual Indigent Criminal Defense: Advanced Skills For The Experienced Practitioner
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
The Criminal Defense Trial From Start To Finish
Defense of Serious Traffic Cases in Virginia

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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

70 customer reviews

5 Star

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Posted by Andrew | December 5, 2021

Virginia Reckless Driving Charge

Mitch Wells is your dream attorney if a Virginia state trooper has pulled you over and written this charge down on your ticket. Mitch is not just a fantastic defense attorney, he also used to be a trooper! He knows all the judges and troopers, knows their tactics, and understands how to help you in court in front of the judges to get you the best possible outcome. Don't go anywhere else, Mitch and his team at Riley and Wells will help you get out of trouble just like they helped me.

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Posted by Dean | September 26, 2020

I-95 Reckless

I could not be happier with this firm and the handling of my case. While being charged with misdemeanor Reckless Driving, (80+ mph), they were able to get it reduced to a minor charge with no points and protected my driving record and my ability to drive. I would highly recommend them.

Posted by anonymous | April 6, 2017

"Alleged hit and run"

Mitchell Wells is the best lawyer ever. He resolved the whole situation before getting charge. He suggested to proceed my case during investigation. In short period of time, he informed me that the commonwealth attorney dropped all charges against me. I am so relieved!

Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2017

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

I retained Mr. Wells for my speeding ticket in Henrico 51/35mph and I couldn't be more pleased with my outcome!! All I have to do is driving school and my charge will be dismissed! I want to take this time to truly thank Mr. Wells and his amazing team (his paralegal Erin was fantastic) for working with me! I was in full panic before speaking with him and his team because my driving history wasn't the best but they made me feel 100% better about my situation. I HIGHLY recommend Riley and Wells if you are in any type of pickle!

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Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2017

I'm so relieved I found M. Wells

I got pulled for doing 84 on 1-95 in Greensville County (Emporia, VA), and even though the speed limit was 70, I received a misdemeanor Reckless Driving charge instead of a run of the mill speeding ticket. Given that I live out of state, and would not be able to attend the court date myself, I called several lawyers. Mr. Wells' proposal was easily the best, and even better, he completely followed through on his promises. I would not consider hiring anyone else to handle traffic violations in the state of VA.

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Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2017

Alleged Hit&run

Excellent experience retaining the law office of Riley & Wells, Mr. Wells took my case to trail and I was found not guilty of the allgeged hit&run, excellent law firm with tremendous experience.

Posted by L. | August 20, 2016

Fought on my side for a DUI

In 2015, I was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence in Central Virginia. A friend that had been in a similar situation recommended Mitch Wells. When I called Mr. Wells, he was particularly helpful in explaining the clause in the law that pertained to my specific situation. After reviewing the case and speaking with the prosecutor, Mr. Wells made it clear what my opinions were and what the possible outcomes might be. Ultimately, I chose a plea deal for a traffic infraction and a fine rather than go to trial despite Mr. Wells being confident that we would win at trial. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, I highly recommend Mitch Wells to family, friends, and strangers.

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Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2016

Top notch attorney

I hired Mitch Wells on 2 different occasions over the last couple years. Both were for speeding, but I cant have moving violations on my record. Mitch was very straightforward and helped me to understand the process of his defense. He under promised and over delivered. Mitch was able to get one charge dismissed with driving school, and the other charge changed to a non moving violation with a fine. Both outcomes were more than I could have ever asked for. He and his staff communicated with me the whole way through and I can't thank them enough for their help. The fee was fair and worth every penny. I hope to not be in the situation to need him again, but at least I know who to call if I was.

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Posted by Jerry | January 11, 2016

So Professional

I received a reckless driving ticket on my way to work in November 2015. I contacted Mitch Wells and he was so helpful. Mitch told me not to worry and to leave that part up to him. The ticket was for speeding at 77 in a 55mph zone. While I had no idea that I was traveling that fast, still it was a serious offense. I was advised that I did not even have to show up for court on my court date in December 2015, but I did and waited outside the courtroom while Mitch went before the judge and the officer. In just a short time he came back out and said "I have some good news".... "the case was dismissed". I have to attend driving school and when that is completed, I go back to the clerk of the court, pay an $82 fine and the case is dismissed! I'd say that is a professional doing what a true professional does.....he takes his client at heart and does the very best for them that anybody could do. I am so glad that I contacted Mitch and to those reading this review, YOU WILL BE GLAD THAT YOU ALLOWED MITCH AND HIS FIRM TO HANDLE YOUR CASE AS WELL. I have complete confidence that they will assist in any way possible.

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Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2015

Mastermind Defense Attorney

Mr. Wells represented me in Hopewell, Virginia for a Reckless Driving citation of 108 in a 70 mph zone. I got this citation on my way to process into the Air Force and I could not afford to have this on my record, so I hired Mr. Wells after consulting 15 different attorneys. Mr. Wells and his law firm did an exceptional job with my case. He was able to get the judge to take a disposition and drop the charge down to improper driving, which is not a misdemeanor. I could not have been more thankful for the job Mr. Wells did. If I was a football coach, Mr. Wells would be my defensive coordinator because that is how great of a defense attorney he is. Keep in mind though that Virginia is a commonwealth and every Judge is different. However, I do not think there is a judge Mr. Wells cannot face. If you received a citation for reckless driving, I recommend you consult with Mr. Wells and he will be willing to help you out as long as you do everything he instructs you to do. God bless you abundantly Mr. Wells!

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Posted by Barry | August 21, 2015

82/70 FL driver

Mrs Wells was excellent. I was unaware that anything over 80mph in the state of Virginia was considered reckless driving. I have heard other states laws are over 90 up to 100. Mr Wells was able to get my ticket reduced from reckless driving to defective equipment. No points, and is considered to be a non moving violation similar to a brake light out. Very happy with the outcome.

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Posted by Fred Crouch | June 30, 2015

Total satisfaction

Mitch Wells is not only a professional but is honorable. From beginning to successful conclusion he communicated, explained our position, and followed up with performance. P.S. He comes from great stock, I knew his father Irv and truly appreciate his son. Thank You Mitch Wells.

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2015

Speeding ticket reduced

I contacted Mitch Wells after I had been issued a Misdemeanor charge for doing 84 in a 70 MPH zone. Mitch walked me through what would happen and what he needed from me. He was very clear about his role, my role and the Officer's role. He was able to get the charge reduced so I only had to pay a fine and court fees (no points!!). It was a painless process because Mitch and his team were experienced and easy to work with.

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Posted by anonymous | May 20, 2015

Excellent Attorney!

I was traveling North on I-295 when I received a ticket for 83/70 mph and no display of a front tag. The Trooper informed me that it was considered reckless which is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the State of VA. Since I was from out of town and never contested a ticket I asked a local law firm who they would recommend and they immediately said, "Riley and Wells." I contacted Riley and Wells was impressed with their professionalism and concern. I was kept informed throughout the process and was fully confident that I had the best possible representation for the situation. Although it wasn't required, I elected to show up to court and met Mr Wells prior to the scheduled hearing. It was immediately obvious that Mr Wells was highly respected by the VA State Troopers and Court. Mr Wells explained my options and possible outcomes in detail and ironically, given the seriousness of the reckless driving charge, all favorable. The final outcome: Reckless driving charge pleaded down to defective equipment-no points and a non-moving violation. No display of front tags-dismissed. I highly recommend Riley and Wells!!

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Posted by Matthew | May 1, 2015

Fictitious Tags and Speeding

The charges were all dismissed. I was charged with Fictitious Tags and Speeding 40 mph in a 25 mph residential restricted zone. Mr. Wells was friendly and confident in his ability to present my case, which gave me a lot of peace leading up to the court date. I was able to speak with him directly whenever I contacted his firm and he returned my calls promptly. His advice and communication was accurate and clear. I hired Mr. Wells after reading reviews like this. I was nervous hiring an attorney without someones personal recommendation. Mr. Wells is clearly respected by the judges and prosecutors in the court. I am extremely satisfied with his professional ability. No outcome can ever be guaranteed, but you will be happy and at peace knowing that you have Mr. Wells in your corner.

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Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2015

Great outcome!

The outcome was fantastic, the process was no hassle. I wish I was kept a bit more in the loop. Had I not called the day before trial I wasn't completely sure that I would have heard from the firm until the outcome was decided

Posted by Mary | March 31, 2015

RD/Speeding charge greatly reduced.

Mr. Wells was recommended by our lawyer/judge friend and our friend was right. Mr. Wells has earned his outstanding reputation and his ability to have a Reckless Driving/Speeding reduced to an improper equipment charge was most appreciated. I would refer him as the attorney to see for any legal issues within his expertise.

Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2015

Outstanding support

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! After our initial phone call, Mr. Wells eased my concerns and fears. I was charged with reckless driving (speeding) on I-95 at Emporia, VA by a county sheriff. He listened to my story and requested I send all the pertinent documents to him that day. His support staff is top-notched; they kept me abreast during the process. Mr. Wells told me that I did not need to go to court, that he would not need me. He pleaded down my reckless driving ticket to defective equipment ($75 fine, court cost and no points). I would highly recommend this attorney if you need representation, especially down along the Emporia/I95 speed trap corridor.

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Posted by Roberto | February 25, 2015

Best Lawyer in Virginia

I was heading home to NY from a funeral in NC and was pulled over in VA. The trooper informed me that it's reckless driving in VA going over 80 mph. This is the first time I was pulled over for such a fractious situation. As you might imagine I was saddened by the loss of a family member only to encounter this on my way back. Little did I know that a reckless driving offense in VA carries a misdemeanor charge. Panicked, I hired Mitch through a colleague at work who happened to use his services. I did not regret it at all. Office staff and Mr. Wells himself were true professionals and eased my nerves at a delicate time. Please use this gentlemen for your needs though I hope my experience will teach others to slow down. It's not worth it. When i did the math at the speed limit versus speeding, it only saved me an hour. My advise? Slow down.

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Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2014

Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Control

I received a failure to maintain control ticket in January, which falls under reckless driving. I received the ticket from vcu pd because my "tires spinning in the snow". The cop followed me for miles and i felt that it was police harassment. I went to the Riley&Wells law firm. I discussed my case with David Vyborny. He was positive that this case would not hold up in court. He was very nice to talk to. I had to go to Richmond District Court multiple times. The officer only showed up once, which was at the arrangement. I postponed the case at the arrangement. The Second time i went to court, Ed Riley represented me. We tried to dismiss the case but didn't have the chance due to the officer not showing up in court again. The third time, Mitch Wells represented me. The officer didn't show up again. Mitch was able to drop my case without any consequence such as driving school. All 3 attorneys i had contact with were very knowledgeable and pleasant to be around. I will go to them again if needed (hopefully not).

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Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Riley & Wells - Attorneys-At-Law
2008 - Present

Attorney
Boone, Beale, Cosby & Long
2006 - 2007

Assistant Attorney General
Office Of The Attorney General Of Virginia
2005 - 2006

Law Clerk
The Honorable Robert E. Payne, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
2003 - 2003

Virginia State Trooper
Virginia State Police
1994 - 2002

View all work experience

Education

EC/IR II Seminar - Technological & Medical Defenses
CLE
2011

Defending Serious Traffic Cases:Smart Strategy, Creative Tactics
CLE
2007

National College for DUI Defense
Master of Scientific Evidence
2006

College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005

Virginia Commonwealth University
MPA - Masters
2000

Virginia State Police Academy
Trained to Administer SFST
1995

Virginia Department of Forensic Science
Certified Breath Test Operator
1995

Virginia State Police
Virginia State Trooper
1995

Virginia Military Institute
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1994

View all education

Legal Cases

Commonwealth v. Terrell Coles
Nolle Prosequi

Gary Dwight Brannon v. Commonwealth of Virginia
Not Guilty

Associations

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Member
N/A

National College of DUI Defense
Member
N/A

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Member
N/A

Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
N/A

Lewis F. Powell, Jr. American Inn of Court
Member
N/A

Virginia State Bar
Member
N/A

Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section
Member
N/A

Richmond Criminal Bar Association
Member
N/A

Henrico County Bar Association
Member
N/A

U.S. Law Shield
Independent Program Attorney
N/A

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Honors and Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

Top One Percent
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015

Rising Star
Virginia Super Lawyers
2015

Rising Star
Virginia Super Lawyers
2014

Rising Star
Virginia Super Lawyers
2013

Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2013

Top Lawyers
Richmond Magazine
2012

Rising Star
Virginia Super Lawyers
2012

Rising Star
Virginia Super Lawyers
2011

Top Lawyers
Richmond Magazine
2011

Rising Star
Virginia Super Lawyers
2010

Certificate of Completion - Summer Session - Harvard Law School
National College for DUI Defense
2010

Today's Top Opinion
Virginia Lawyers Weekly
2008

Certificate of Completion-Summer Session-Harvard Law School
National College for DUI Defense
2008

Admitted
U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
2006

Admitted
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
2006

Admitted
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
2006

Certificate of Completion-Mastering Scientific Evidence
National College for DUI Defense
2006

View all awards

Publications

U.S. Law Shield
Traffic Stop While Carrying a Handgun in Virginia
2016

Forbes
Got A Ticket? Here's How Much Your Car Insurance Premiums Will Increase
2012

The Journal (Virginia Trial Lawyers Association)
Defending the DUI Charge
2008

Court of Appeals of Virginia
Gary Dwight Brannon v. Commonwealth of Virginia
2008

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Speaking Engagements

Gun Law Seminar hosted by U.S. Law Shield
Virginia Self-Defense Law
2016

Attorney endorsements

Received (24)

Given (21)

Endorse Mitchell

Douglas White

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Dean

Unknown Attorney | Feb 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amir Soleimanian

Unknown Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brenton Bohannon

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Always professional and not afraid to try a case."

Patrick Anderson

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Taejin Pendleton

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Waddington

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mitchell. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Mark Matney

DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mitch Wells for his DUI, traffic, and criminal defense practices. He has demonstrated his commitment to providing capable and thorough defense. He is a lawyer I refer to for the Richmond area."

David Altman

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Mitchell Mead Wells. Mitchell Mead Wells is well respected criminal defense /DUI / DWI attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense /DUI / DWI lawyer. If you need an attorney, you should consider contacting him for a consultation!"

James Garrett

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mitchell Wells is an exceptional attorney with a firm understanding of the law and an advocate for his clients. I would recommend him to anyone in the Richmond area needing legal advice for a criminal or traffic case."

Philip Cave

Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney | Jun 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. The go-to guy in Richmond and for military personnel at Fort Lee."

John Weiland

Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Garrett Green

Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Whenever one of our clients gets a reckless driving, traffic ticket, or criminal charge in the Richmond area we send them to Mitch. We have sent dozens of our clients to him and he has always treated them wonderfully and gotten great results."

Luke Nichols

Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know hundreds of traffic and criminal defense attorneys in Virginia. I am even one myself. If I got a ticket or a criminal charge in the Central Virginia/Richmond area, I would call Mitch in a heart beat."

Andrew Cornick

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mitch and his partner Ed are my go-to attorneys whenever a client has a criminal or traffic matter in the Richmond area. I know without question that my clients get top notch representation when Mitch is on the case. Do not hesitate to hire him if you're in need of help."

David Good

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I regularly refer criminal/traffic cases to Mitchell in the Richmond area."

Steven Wherry

Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mitch delivers results. I endorse this lawyer, and I find his work product and professionalism to be exceptionally good."

Christian Lassen

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Smart lawyer."

James Towarnicky

Litigation Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer's work. As a lawyer, it is a little ego deflating to admit that another lawyer can do a better job than you. I have no problem acknowledging that for Mitchell. I engaged him to represent me in a traffic matter downstate, and found him to be knowledgeable, thorough, very professional, and approachable (lawyers are tough clients, and I second guess my attorneys as much as anyone). The result of the representation was much better than predicted, at a more than reasonable price, and certainly better than I could have done representing myself. I highly recommend him in his areas of practice."

David Hargett

Criminal defense Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would recommend anyone accused of a crime to Mitch Wells for legal representation in the Richmond and central Virginia areas. Mitch is experienced, detail-oriented, and zealous: a winning combination for criminal defense."

View more endorsements

Douglas White

Speeding and traffic ticket

Joseph Dean

Unknown

Cody Remington

Speeding and traffic ticket

Brenton Bohannon

Criminal defense

James Garrett

Speeding and traffic ticket

Daniel Deasy

Criminal defense

Andrew Roberts

Speeding and traffic ticket

Personal injury

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Military law

Unknown

Speeding and traffic ticket

Luke Nichols

Speeding and traffic ticket

David Vyborny

Criminal defense

Andrew Cornick

Criminal defense

David Good

Speeding and traffic ticket

Rosewell Page

Litigation

Graven Craig

Criminal defense

David Hargett

Appeals

Avvo Contributions

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Mitchell Mead Wells

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