Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
154 Client Reviews
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Brian Matthew Latuga
also known as Brian Latuga
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About Brian
Biography
Defense Attorney - Former VB Prosecutor - Former VBPD Officer/ DUI Team - Former Medic - Bachelors in Chemistry - 2A Advocate
Brian M. Latuga dedicates his practice to Criminal Defense & related Civil Litigation in State and Federal courts. He is a highly skilled trial attorney who has fought on the courtroom battleground every moment of his career. There is no question that Mr. Latuga zealously fights to maintain your liberty, protect your rights, and preserve your family unit when you are facing serious allegations by the government or an individual. Whether you or a loved one are charged with misdemeanors, felonies, white collar offenses, sex crimes, drug trafficking, or violent crimes, there is no charge or courtroom that is foreign to Mr. Latuga. It only takes a moment to see that He is well-respected in the Federal Courts, and General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Latuga entered the trenches when he became a Police Officer in 2005 and served with the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Third Police Precinct, the Community Oriented Police Unit, and the Traffic Safety Unit. During his policing career He made hundreds of criminal arrests, conducted well over 400 DUI investigations, issued thousands of summonses, and investigated hundreds of gun, drug, sex, and violent crimes. Mr. Latuga has a thorough working knowledge of police training, certifications, procedures, and the intricacies of criminal law affecting their powers and limitations. His extensive policing experience is your advantage in the courtroom.
Mr. Latuga is also a former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the City of Virginia Beach. While there, he tried thousands of traffic, misdemeanor and felony cases. In both judge and jury trials, He has litigated Involuntary and Voluntary Manslaughter, Larceny, Burglary, Robbery, Drug Possession and Distribution, Malicious and Aggravated Malicious Wounding, Rape, Robbery, DUI-Manslaughter, DUI-Maiming and Murder.
He welcomes the challenges of cases that are difficult and odious, such as offenses involving children, the medically complex, and those deemed societal pariahs like those involving drug trafficking, child pornography, and child abuse and neglect. Just because the Government believes it, doesn’t mean it’s true.
While Mr. Latuga has a passion for defending minors and adults in state courts, His Federal representation is a deep motivator, especially when trying the appropriate cases before a federal jury. He has experience with defending a litany of federal crimes, including conspiracies to distribute drugs, white collar crimes, wire and mail fraud, RICO and VICAR cases, firearms offenses, child pornography, and enticement and solicitation. We have a known record with federal cases for getting results that matter.
Mr. Latuga served as an EMT-Intermediate and a Medic with several rescue squads and medical transportation companies during the last two decades. This also gives Mr. Latuga a unique ability to converse and understand experts and medical evidence. He has tried and won several Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma cases, and is well studied in various areas of medical literature to cross-examine and combat experts in head trauma, rape, sexual assault, toxicology, and forensic medical evidence cases.
Mr. Latuga attended Regent University School of Law and graduated 2nd in his class with Summa Cum Laude honors. And while excelling in law school, he worked full-time as a VBPD Officer, working nights and going to court and school during the day. He is active in his church community, loves spending time with his wife and kids, enjoys long distance backpacking trips, is a certified PADI Divemaster and NSS-CDS Cave Diver, and participates in firearm competitions for pistol and rifle.
With a BS in Chemistry and being a former decades-long Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate, Virginia Beach Police Officer and Virginia Beach Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Brian is equipped and determined to exceed expectations, and to use his wide-ranging knowledge to better serve his clients and their families. Practicing law is not just a passion for Mr. Latuga, it is his calling. He is always just a phone call away.
Bar Admissions:
Virginia
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia
*******DISCLAIMER*******
THE LISTING OF SPECIFIC OR CUMULATIVE CASE RESULTS ON THIS WEBPAGE IS PROVIDED FOR YOUR REVIEW. YOU NEED TO BE AWARE THAT ACTUAL CASE RESULTS DEPEND UPON A VARIETY OF FACTORS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO EACH CASE. THE CASE RESULTS PROVIDED DO NOT GUARANTEE OR PREDICT A SIMILAR RESULT IN ANY CASE UNDERTAKEN BY THIS LAW FIRM.
Where Experience and Results Matter
Fighting for your Freedom, Family, Children, and Job
Former DUI Cop. Former DUI Prosecutor. Your DUI Defender.
Experience matters. Different rules require a different approach. Don't settle for less.
Not all criminal accusations are created equal - a bitter or fantastical family member can effectively revoke your 2nd Amendment rights forever. You need the best defense.
Dismissed Crimes Carry a Stigma - Get Rid of Them!
Practice Areas
13
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
61%
Litigation
19%
DUI and DWI
10%
Domestic Violence
1%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
5
2018
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 12 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Wolcott Rivers Gates
(757) 645-9300
Mobile
4417 Corporation Land, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462
www.brianlatuga.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Brian online.
Brian Matthew Latuga's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (76)
Lawsuits & Disputes (27)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (12)
DUI & DWI (10)
Litigation (6)
Drug Crime (5)
Car Accidents (4)
Appeals (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Child Abuse (1)
Child Custody (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Expungement (1)
Gun Law (1)
White Collar Crime (1)
Workers Compensation (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (108)
Advocacy (68)
Recommendation (60)
Professionalism (34)
General Knowledge (28)
Practice Area Knowledge (26)
Responsiveness (24)
Communication Style (22)
Compassion (21)
Character & Conduct (19)
Staff & Support (14)
Trustworthiness (14)
Cost of Services (13)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 16 - 20 of 28 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Johanna | August 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
AMAZING LAWYER!!! Highly Recommended!
This was my second time working with Wolcott Rivers Gates Attorneys. I hired Brian Latuga for a probation violation case. I had 365 days over my head and was incredibly terrified to lose my job. Brian Latuga worked vigorously to help me avoid conviction. I was facing severe penalties including impris...
Posted by Samuel | June 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Honest, Personable, Thorough and Diligent
Mr.Latuga was avid in his legal support right from the start. We went over the possibilities and when presented with the evidence against me, realistically narrowed down the available outcomes. His friendly demeanor and enthusiasm for law were unmatched among the legal consultants I had sought out f...
Brian Latuga
Replied last June 15, 2018Thank you very much for your review and your strong recommendation. It means a lot to me that I was able to help you obtain a result that had the least possible impact upon your life and career. I wish you the best.
Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Best of the best
As a former police officer, Brian Latuga is familiar first-hand with how the justice system works. He possesses a greater depth of experience than a typical attorney. He knows that bad things can, and do happen to good people. He was very empathetic toward me and my case, and made me feel better ...
Brian Latuga
Replied last June 15, 2018Thank you for your review. I am grateful that we were able to resolve your case successfully.... And, you are very welcome. It was a pleasure to meet and help you.
Posted by JF | May 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer and firm
My case didn't look good in the courts eyes, because of my past record dealing with the same issue. Mr. Latuga and his firm made me feel very comfortable and assured that no matter what happened, things would be dealt with the most professional manner. The first meeting I had with Mr. Latuga, he laid...
Posted by Steve | May 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
client
Brian provided clear, accurate and convincing support for my son in a DUI bond hearing. The result was exactly what we hoped for. Additionally, he's provided counsel and advice to us even after the case was over, and in preparation for the full trial. We are working with him to represent our son aga...
Brian Matthew Latuga's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Latuga is diligent, prepared, and persuasive. Truly an outstanding advocate and a worthy adversary"
"I have known Brian Latuga for years. He is reliable and always prepared. He knows his cases in and out. He is an experienced and skilled advocate."
"As a family law attorney, I often turn to Mr. Latuga when I need assistance in the criminal arena. Mr. Latuga is a valuable resource for criminal law and he has ample experience in that area. I highly recommend Mr. Latuga and should I have family or friends in need of criminal assistance, I would refer them to Mr. Latuga in a heartbeat."
"Brian is professional and thorough and well respected in the legal community."
"Brian is an expert in the field of criminal defense. He provides all of his clients with honest, thorough, and dedicated representation. Simply put, you can trust Brian with your case. I highly endorse Brian and am proud to work in a firm with an attorney of his caliber."
"Brian has a wealth of experience in criminal law from his time in law enforcement and working for the Commonwealth Attorney's office. That gives him the background he needs to anticipate what the other side will present in court and be ready for the strongest defense for his client. I am proud to have him as a member of the firm."
"Prepared, thorough, zealous. Brian is a superior defense lawyer. He has an uncommon set of skills with his background in both law enforcement and prosecution and he successfully employs these skills for his clients."
"Brian takes great pride in his work and is a fighter for justice. He has an excellent demeanor for the court room. He has a good reputation with lawyers, judges, and police officers. He was a pleasure to work with when he was a prosecutor, but now we welcome him to our team as a defender of the accused!"
"I have had the pleasure of working against Brian, while he was a prosecutor, for several years. I say pleasure because, although he was opposing counsel, I love to go against a well-prepared, thorough, and smart attorney. Going against attorneys like Brian made me a better attorney too. I highly endorse Brian Latuga."
"Brian is as hard working and honest a lawyer as you will ever want to meet. His has prior experience with all aspects of law enforcement, which gives him a more detailed background than most other lawyers. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brian is one of the finest and most experienced criminal attorneys I know. He is extremely focused in all matters which he handles, and his clients are very pleased with his representation."
"Brian is an experienced and highly competent criminal defense lawyer. As a former prosecutor, he knows how to analyze cases to achieve the best possible results for his clients."
"Brian is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Criminal Defense. As a former prosecutor he understands the other side of the equation. I am proud to now call him a colleague and recommend him to anyone in need of criminal defense."
"Brian is a dedicated and masterful attorney with a unique set of credentials after serving the public as both a police officer and an attorney for the Commonwealth. Drawing from his experience, Brian has quickly become a go-to criminal defense practitioner, who can dutifully and effectively represent his clients--especially when they need him the most. I am proud to work with Brian at Wolcott Rivers Gates."
"Brian is an excellent attorney. His experiences as a former prosecutor and as ex-law enforcement provide him with an invaluable and unique perspective for handling DUIs and criminal cases. I strongly endorse Brian."
"I endorse Brian Latuga. He is smart, honest and diligent attorney."
"I've known Mr. Latuga since he was a police officer. I worked with him directly during our time as prosecutors. He is one of the brightest attorneys I've ever met and also one of the hardest workers. I fully endorse Mr. Latuga for any of your litigation needs."
James Panagis
Criminal defense lawyer
W. Patzig
Family lawyer
Christopher Young
Criminal defense lawyer
Lorna Rhoades
Family lawyer
Sarah Buitrago
Family lawyer
Alex Castellano
Business lawyer
Mark Matney
DUI and DWI lawyer
Kristin Paulding
Sex crime lawyer
Peter Louie
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Fred Isquith
Litigation lawyer
Michael Robusto
Criminal defense lawyer
Scott Krystiniak
Litigation lawyer
Matthew Curcione
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Baker
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Legal Elite - Criminal Law, Virginia Business
2022
Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia - CoVaBIZ
2019
Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia - CoVaBIZ, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2018
Readers’ Choice Award, Pilot
2018
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2017
Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia - CoVaBIZ, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2011
2010 Honoree for 82 DUI Arrests, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Work Experience
2014 - 2017
Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Virginia Beach Office Of The Commonwealth's Attorney
2013 - 2017
Agent, Hamilton's Realty
2013 - 2014
Special Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Virginia Beach Office Of The Commonwealth's Attorney
2007 - 2013
Police Officer, Virginia Beach Police Department
Associations
2017 - Present
Norfolk Portsmouth Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
Virginia Beach Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Virginia State BarAttorney
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. B. Andrews
Enticement, Production and Possession of Child Pornography. 81 years BELOW guidelines.
Morgan v. Commonwealth (Trial through Va. Supreme Court Appeal)
Reversed and Dismissed; by Appeal to the Court of Appeals then to the Virginia Supreme Court
Commonwealth v. B.M.
Dismissed; Child Pornography; Unlawful Search Warrant
Commonwealth v. J.G.
Not Guilty after Jury Trial; Sodomy, Object Sexual Penetration, Aggravated Sexual Battery
Distribution of Marijuana, reduced
First offense misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, $500 fine and no jail
Commonwealth v. LA
Robbery and Conspiracy- Dismissed
United States v. CB
30 day sentence; guidelines called for 4-10 months
Commonwealth v. CW
Robbery, Mask, and Use of a Firearm all Dismissed
Commonwealth v. CC
Felony Destruction; 100/45 MPH; Obstruction; Trespass; Poss. MJ; - NO Felony; 10 days in jail and a $200 fine.
CW v. J
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Driving Suspended Dismissed
Education
2013
Regent University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor; Summa Cum Laude
2004
James Madison University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2018
VBHA Annual Meeting
Hotel Safety, Security and Liability - Panel Member
2015
Social Media, Electronic Communications & Info Storage
DUI Panel Discussion
2015
Regent University Police In-Service Training
The Successful DUI- First Observation to Prosecution
2015
Mid-Atlantic DUI Conference
Legal Aspects of DUI-Related License Revocations (46.2-391, 18.2-272, and 46.2-301)
Publications
2018
Wolcott Rivers Gates Website
The ‘Driving While Revoked-DUI Related’ Hat Trick if Charges- Are You a Victim?
2018
Wolcott Rivers Gates blog
The Fight Over A “Deadly Weapon”
2018
Wolcott Rivers Gates Blog
ASAP Good Behavior Violations in Virginia
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Brian earned significant contribution points in 2018.
Legal Answers
Q&A
My fiance was charged with Grand Theft Auto and intent to damage. I purchased the motorcycle and I have a bill of sale?
28 Dec 2022
Q&A
How would I go about getting a warrant dropped or dismissed?
28 Dec 2022
Q&A
If a modify a protective order will that make me look bad?
08 Jun 2021