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Sandra Kay Drewniak
also known as Sandra Drewniak Nicks
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About Sandra
Biography
Sandra Drewniak Nicks — Elite Litigation Attorney | Decorated Military Veteran | “The Law Cougar”
Sandra Drewniak Nicks is a powerhouse in the legal arena—an elite Litigation Attorney with a distinguished track record across state, military, and federal courts. With decades of experience and a reputation for winning complex, high-stakes criminal and civil cases—including murder, aggravated assault, white-collar crimes, and embezzlement—Sandra is one of the most sought-after legal minds in the field. Her courtroom style is defined by surgical precision, unshakable poise, and a relentless drive for justice, earning her the nickname “The Law Cougar” among colleagues and clients alike.
Sandra’s pursuit of justice began at just five years old, after a life-altering robbery at her family home ignited a lifelong commitment to the law. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Louisville, and went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, where she founded the ATLA chapter and dominated trial advocacy competitions.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Sandra served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Reserves, where she became a formidable advocate for wounded warriors, specializing in disability and medical discharge cases. Her military career instilled in her a commanding presence, deep discipline, and a service-first ethos that continues to define her civilian legal practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Sandra is a fierce equestrian competitor, participating in western pleasure and ranch riding events. She is known not only for her litigation skill, but for her compassion, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to her clients and community. Sandra Drewniak Nicks isn’t just a defense attorney—she’s a force of nature in the pursuit of justice.
Aggressive VA Criminal, DUI,Traffic Defense Attorneys -Former Law Enforcement 24hr call.703-596-4224
Aggressive VA Criminal, DUI,Traffic Defense Attorneys -Former Law Enforcement 24hr call.703-596-4224
Aggressive VA Criminal, DUI,Traffic Defense Attorneys -Former Law Enforcement 24hr call.703-596-4224
Aggressive VA Criminal, DUI,Traffic Defense Attorneys -Former Law Enforcement 24hr call.703-596-4224
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
50%
29 years
Criminal Defense
35%
29 years
Federal Crime
10%
26 years
Military Law
5%
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 17 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 5 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 17 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in West Virginia for 18 years
State: West Virginia
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Indiana for 28 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Drewniak Nicks Legal Defense, PLLC.
(540) 838-3387
Fax
17 Courthouse Square, Suite 1, Lexington, VA, 24450
dnlegaldefense.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Sandra online.
Sandra Kay Drewniak's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (10)
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Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Posted by A. | June 27, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Excellent, effective representation for Reckless Driving
Ms. Drewniak and her staff made an otherwise very stressful set of circumstances a lot easier to handle, and secured a 0-point result for me in a Reckless Driving situation where there was potentially a lot at stake. The paralegal with whom I shared most of my correspondence was extremely responsi...
Posted by Bill | March 05, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Knowledgeable and Responsive
I was charged with reckless driving on Dulles Toll road in Fairfax County Viriginia. The worst state, the worst county and the worst road to get caught speeding. Saundra gave me excellent advice to prepare myself for the prosecution, all of which I followed. Then on the date of my first court appeara...
Sandra Kay Drewniak's Lawyer Endorsements
"Sandra is a top-flight attorney who fights passionately for her clients. She is smart, experienced and highly respected by her peers. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Drewniak is a very well-respected attorney. She truly cares about her clients and is very knowledgeable about the law. She is very approachable and takes the time to make sure that her clients understand all aspects of their case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Drewniak is a skilled and passionate lawyer. Her experience and ability to aggressively defend her clients makes her an invaluable advocate. I would highly recommend her to any client."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Drewniak is a smart and dedicated attorney. It is always a pleasure to discuss fact patterns and defense strategies with her. She fights hard and gets great results for her clients."
"Sandra is a top notch trial lawyer. She defends the Constitutional rights of her clients and advocates for justice. She is highly respected by her fellow lawyers."
"Sandra is a dedicated and professional attorney who is committed to defending her clients zealously and with integrity. She is respected nationwide by her peers. I highly recommend her!"
"Sandra is an excellent attorney and a wonderful person. She is tenacious, creative, dedicated, and always looking for the best result for her client. She has been nationally recognized in the area of DUI defense. I highly recommend her."
"Sandra is a force to be reckoned with inside the courtroom. One of the few true DUI warriors in Virginia, Sandra's experience and skill set her a part from the pack. I would recommend her services to anyone who needed a zealous advocate in her neck of the woods."
"Virginia has a slew of amazing DUI defense attorneys. But, Sandra stands out even among amazing DUI defense attorneys. She has the skills and knowledge needed to aggressively and successfully defend DUI cases. I whole-heartedly recommend her services."
"Sandra is an excellent attorney. She has an outstanding reputation with other attorneys nationwide. I would highly recommend her."
Sarah Toney
DUI and DWI lawyer
Carrie Fiedler
Criminal defense lawyer
Allison McCarthy
DUI and DWI lawyer
Karyn Missimer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Deandra Grant
DUI and DWI lawyer
Diane Medina
DUI and DWI lawyer
Gretchen Pousson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2010
Who's Who of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs, Cambridge
2005
Commendation Medal, United States Army
2005
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, United States Air Force
2004
Achievement Medal, United States Air Force
2003
Commendation Medal, United States Air Force
2003
National Defense Service Medal, United States Air Force
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Owner, Drewniak Nicks Legal Defense, PLLC
2020 - 2024
Partner/Senior Litigation Attorney, Law Office of Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC
2015 - 2021
Disability Defense Attorney, United States Air Force Jag
2010 - 2015
Partner, Furlong & Drewniak, PLLC
2008 - 2010
Chief Criminal Division, BLF
2005 - 2015
Lt Col/ ANG, JFHQ DC
2005 - 2005
Law Clerk/Attorney, Law Office of Eric Papp
2000 - 2001
Special Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney's Office
2000 - 2004
Assistant Judge Advocate General, United States Air Force
1998 - 2000
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Clark County Prosecutor's Office
1996 - 1998
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Morgan County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
American Bar Association
1997 - 2000
American Inns of Court
Education
1997
Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington
1997
Regent University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
University of Louisville
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2011
Private Investigator Training Course
Legal Issues for Private Investigators
2011
Paralegal Course
Trial Practice
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was arrested Friday night for DUI. However the breatherlizer test shows results of 0.012 and 0.014 . Is this DUI?
16 Oct 2012
Q&A
Is there any hope in getting a reduced charge or dismissal in fairfax county?
16 Jul 2012