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Crystina M. O'Brien
also known as Crystina Kowalczyk
About Crystina
Biography
I am an aggressive trial lawyer who will fight for your rights. I am also an experienced negotiator who will work to obtain the best offer. I have represented clients law all over the world as an Army Judge Avocate (JAG) and am a committed fighter. I have represented military members in all branches of the service. While on active duty I tried over 30 courts-martial. Essentially, I am a very experienced litigator and have litigated and won many jury trials. My years of experience make me qualified to represent you in all areas of the law and I love a challenge. When you hire me you get professionalism, courage and commitment.
Criminal Defense, DUI, Divorce, Custody, Military Law, Federal Criminal Law! Call 757.847.9119
Experienced, Effective, Zealous Defense - We will help you! Call 757.847.9119 today!
We fight for your rights, so that you can protect ours! Former Army JAG. Call 757.847.9119 today!
In Federal Court you need an intelligent, hard working, aggressive advocate to stand up for you!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
33 years | 800 cases
Child Custody
20%
40 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
150 cases
Military Law
20%
33 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
Awards
2018 2017 2015
...
+
1
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 19 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 32 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Crystina M. O'Brien's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
49 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (49)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (16)
Child Custody (12)
Lawsuits & Disputes (10)
Military Law (7)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (5)
Appeals (3)
Administrative Law (2)
Divorce & Separation (2)
Expungement (2)
Family (2)
Litigation (2)
Child Support (1)
Drug Crime (1)
Gun Law (1)
Landlord & Tenant (1)
Probate (1)
Residential (1)
Sex Crime (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by King | February 20, 2019 | Criminal Defense
Recommended
This attorney provided a well needed consult for me having over 10 pending charges. She recommended me to right person. She informed me of my options, she told me time frames and tight deadlines. Her price to retain her was pretty hefty but she offered quality services and her undivided attention if ...
Crystina O'Brien
Replied last February 20, 2019Thank you for the review. You definitely had some undeserved challenges and I am glad you got relief!
Posted by Jennifer | April 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Fantastic representation!
What a great decision to hire Ms. O'Brien! She is definitely someone you want in your corner in a courtroom! She is very well-versed in the law, judicial procedures, and most importantly, courtroom dynamics. This is huge in Hampton Roads, where different jurisdictions deal with cases in different ...
Posted by Steven | May 09, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Excellent attorney, very knowledgeable, staff was amazing
I hired The O'Brien law firm in reference to a reckless driving case. They were absolutely amazing in helping me with my case and assisting me in understanding the process. I was traveling from out of state which made my case a little more complicated but they were extremely helpful and knowledgeable...
Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2015 | Military Law
Restoration of Rights
I recently called Ms. O’Brien concerning a long-ago Court Martial. I had long been convinced that dealing with the restoration of rights — my right to vote and possess a firearm — would be long, difficult and expensive. Much of that impression came from reviewing law-based opinions on the Internet. M...
Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
the best
I had a previous lawyer and was going through a nasty custody divorce issue. I met with O'Brien law firm to get a second opinion and the o Brien law firm eased all my concerns. I have hired them and have no doubt they can get the job done. Every attorney there is hard working,honest,knowledgeable and...
Crystina M. O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Few attorneys are as willing as Crystina to go the extra mile for their clients. She is also an excellent mentor, always willing to answer questions from junior attorneys like myself seeking to get established. While I refer most of my family law and military law matters to Crystina, I am comfortable endorsing her in any of her practice areas because I know she will get the job done!"
"I endorse this lawyer. O'Brien's military experience has endowed her with excellent organizational and critical thinking skills ideal in preparing and presenting your case. O'Brien has a staff of attorneys ready to give you the individualized attention that your concerns deserve."
"I endorse this lawyer. Crystina is an intelligent and caring attorney. Military law is an area with few attorneys who specialize in it, so I will go to her whenever I have a military law question."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"She is experienced, knowledgeable, and hard-working. She treats her clients with compassion and care."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Crystina O'Brien is a great lawyer who will fight passionately for her clients. She has a vast knowledge of the law and the methods that can be used to achieve the best possible outcome."
"I have had the pleasure of watching Mrs. O' Brien fight for her clients in the courtroom. You won't go wrong having her on your side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Crystina is an accomplished attorney who acts as a strong advocate for her clients. She is professional and empathetic which is not an easy combination to find."
"Ms. O'Brien is an excellent lawyer. I was fortunate to have worked with her in the Hampton Public Defenders Office, when I was a Sentencing Advocate/Mitigation Specialist, and then also as an intern while I was in law school. Ms. O'Brien's breadth of experience gives her keen insight into the legal issues of each case and how to proceed to advocate for her clients. I have learned a lot working with her. She has been available to mentor me since I've been in practice, and always helps me examine all sides of an issue. I wholeheartedly endorse Crystina O'Brien."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney O'Brien is an accomplished and experienced criminal defense attorney. She is clearly the "go to" person if you are in need of top tier legal representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Crystina cares about getting the best possible result for each of her clients. She specializes in listening to, and then addressing her client's concerns. I've seen her be pro-active and go the extra-mile as needed, or be forthcoming about the limitations of a particular case. More importantly, she has the courage and experience to know the right approach to take. You will be in good hands."
"Crystina Obrien is an outstanding attorney. Her many years of experience in the courtroom as an army defense attorney and a public defender have paid off very well for her. She always fights hard for her clients, yet is still gracious and accommodating to everyone she deals with whenever appropriate As a result, she enjoys a great reputation among state and federal prosecutors, as well as other practicing attorneys on the Peninsula. She devotes full time and attention to each client that she represents, and strives to make them feel at home. She has often given me invaluable advice on certain aspects of criminal cases that I have handled. I could not have a higher opinion of Ms. Obrien, and the local bar associations are lucky to have her in their ranks."
"Crystina O'Brien is an excellent, competent, and dedicated criminal defense attorney. I have had the pleasure of working on "opposite sides of the aisle" from Ms. O'Brien when I was in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and I found her to be a consummate professional; focused on the needs of her clients and able to secure excellent results for them. I now am very pleased to consider her a colleague in the local Defense Bar. Ms. O'Brien fights hard for her clients, and most importantly she genuinely cares for them, which is refreshing in today's legal environment. Her experience in criminal defense work is second to none and her resume speaks for itself. I have nothing but positive things to say about Ms. O'Brien. If you find yourself facing criminal difficulties she is the right one to have on your side."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Passionate hard-working trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2002
Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army
1997
Army achievement medal, Army
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Owner/Member, The O'Brien Law Firm
2012 - Present
Partner, Gochenour, Boyle & O'Brien, P.L.C.
2006 - 2012
Assistant Public Defender, Hampton Public Defender's Office
2002 - 2004
Assistant Federal Public Defender, Federal Public Defender Western District of Pennsylvania
1993 - 2002
Judge Advocate (JAG), U.S. Army
Associations
2014 - Present
Windsor Castle Park Foundation BoardBoard of Directors
2006 - Present
Virginia Bar Association
2006 - Present
Hampton Bar AssociationSecretary (2008-2010)
2006 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer
2004 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarAdmitted to Practice
1993 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed ForcesAdmitted to Practice
Federal District Court or Eastern District of Virginia
Admitted to practice
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth of Virginia v. B.M.
Not Guilty
Commonwealth of Virginia v. J.T.W
Not Guilty
U.S. v. B
Reversed Conviction
Education
1993
Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Juris Doctor
1990
Xavier University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Publications
2004
Justice Denied
Federal Conviction of Non-Existant Crime Tossed
2004
Lancaster Intelligencer Journal
Federal judge overturns convictions in fraudulent receipt case
2004
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Carjacking Suspect Found Guilty, Faces life Term
2003
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Man Charged in Anthrax Hoax to Plead Guilty
2003
Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette
Woman gets probation for prostitution
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Crystina earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I get my daughter back from her father
12 Jun 2019
Q&A
What do I need to do if noncustodial did not respond within 30 days of my notice to relocate?
12 Jun 2019
Q&A
Will this show up on a military background Check?
28 Mar 2015