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John Christian Gardner
About John
Biography
I don't like to plead my clients guilty. They could've done that without my help. As an attorney, one of my most important jobs is to analyze your case and possible defenses and let the Commonwealth's Attorney (prosecutor) do its job by putting on its case against you. And my job is to defend. Too many times I see people in court pleading guilty for cases that would have the same outcome if it went to trial. Why plead guilty in cases like those?
If you've been charged with a reckless driving ticket, a DUI, an assault and battery, whatever your case is, don't give up your chance to potentially have your case dismissed. Let me do what I do best - fight for you, my client.
Contact me if you want a lawyer who won't take the lazy way out of your case. Let me defend you. or
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
40%
26 years
DUI and DWI
30%
26 years
Criminal Defense
25%
26 years
Federal Crime
5%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 26 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Gardner & Mendoza, PC
909 First Colonial Rd., Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454
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John Christian Gardner's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
21 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | November 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Highly recommended
Mr Gardner handled a DUI case for us. He was always very prepared and professional. He explained the legal process in a way that we could understand and helped us to feel more at ease with our situation. Highly recommend Mr Gardner and legal team.
Posted by Sarah | November 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great Experience
I got a reckless driving ticket on the Eastern Shore driving home to New Hampshire from Virginia Beach. I called Attorney Gardner and he was the only lawyer who asked about my previous driving record and other personal details as well as gave me a thorough explanation of what to do next, even if I we...
Posted by Luis | October 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Very sharp!
I received a speeding ticked on 264W going 86 in a 55. I knew I was screwed especially because I'm in the military. From the very start Mr Gardner gave me great advice on How to possibly lower my punishment. so I took action. The court date came and there was an evil Judge that had just sent someone ...
Posted by Tammy | May 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Fabulous Attorney
Attorney Gardner handled a traffic case for me in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was very professional, and easy to talk with, and his attorney fees were very reasonable. My traffic charge was dismissed due to Attorney Gardner's hard work and knowledge of both the law and the local courts. I would r...
Posted by Michelle | March 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Thank you!
My daughter received a reckless driving ticket going 60 in a 35 mph zone, so understandably, I was very concerned. In court, Mr. Gardner was able to get the reckless driving charge and ticket completely dismissed due to his knowledge of what the police officer had to present in court. Mr. Gardner w...
John Christian Gardner's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Mr. Gardner, especially for overlapping matters concerning immigration and criminal law. His expertise is valued by many attorneys in our community who look to him for guidance in this area."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"If you are an immigrant facing a criminal charge, you would be wise to consult with Mr. Gardner."
"John is an excellent advocate for his clients, especially those who are immigrants to this country. His representation goes beyond the basis of their criminal case but he also looks at the impact that the criminal case could have on their immigration status. I highly recommend John to anyone who is facing a criminal charge."
"John is an excellent criminal attorney, but he really shines when it comes to representing immigrants who have been charged with criminal offenses. He's professional, polished, and always prepared. I definitely recommend John!"
"It is always a pleasure to refer clients to John because I know they will receive the best defense possible. John is very innovative in his approach and therefore gets a better result than other attorneys"
"John is very knowledgeable and highly respected in the community. I highly recommend him!"
"John loves to win and get positive outcomes for his clients. He challenges the government on every detail and doesn't roll over and plead his clients guilty for standard dispositions and outcomes. John knows the relevant law inside and out and will be a wonderful advocate for anyone who hires him."
"I highly recommend John for criminal defense and traffic ticket needs. He does an excellent job and, paired with his wife Radlyn, has the additional dimension of handling immigration needs and its impact on his practice areas."
"John is an accomplished criminal defense and traffic attorney in both federal and state courts. He is one of the few criminal defense lawyers I know with a federal jury trial acquittal under his belt. John is experienced and commited to to his clients."
"John is a highly regarded criminal and traffic defense attorney, who is respected by his clients and peers in the legal community. I highly recommend John for any criminal and traffic case. He is also particularly knowledgeable about the immigration consequences of certain criminal convictions. He is a top-notch advocate."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a well-respected criminal defense lawyer. He zealously fights for his clients with outstanding results. I routinely refer clients to him for representation because I know he will do a great job for them."
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Experience
Honors
2017
BEST LAW FIRM, The Virginian-Pilot
2016
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2011
Certificate of Appreciation, Norfolk Public Defender
2010
Certification, Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
2003
Certification, University of Virginia School of Law Trial Advocacy Institute
Work Experience
2000 - Present
Founding Partner, Gardner & Mendoza, P.C.
2000 - 2017
Adjunct Professor, Old Dominion University
Associations
2014 - Present
Federal Bar Association (Tidewater chapter)Treasurer
2013 - 2014
Federal Bar Association (Tidewater chapter)Secretary
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. Elena Valeeva
Not Guilty
Education
1998
Seton Hall University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
The Ohio State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Old Dominion Bar Association 75th Anniversary
Criminal Law & Immigration
2014
Norfolk Public Defender Training
Consequences of Criminal Convictions
2013
Virginia Bar Continuing Legal Education
Criminal Convictions and Immigration
2011
Judicial Bench Bar Conference - Norfolk
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions
2010
Virginia State Bar, Young Lawyers Conference
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions
2010
Virginia Beach Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions
2007
National Public Radio Guest
DUI, Bond and Immigration
Publications
2015
Old Dominion Bar Association
PADILLA V. KENTUCKY: WHAT IT MEANS FOR CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
Languages
Spanish
English