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Christian Paul Van Riper
also known as Chris Van Riper, Christian VanRiper
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About Christian
Biography
Christian Van Riper has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate some of the most stressful and high-stakes moments of their lives. Practicing law since 2006, Christian brings together the experience of a former prosecutor, a former Florida DCF Child Protective Investigator, and a seasoned litigator in both criminal defense and family law.
Christian began his legal career with a prestigious internship at the Florida Supreme Court, where he assisted with complex appellate matters. After graduating from law school, he served as a state prosecutor handling felony and misdemeanor cases. The time he spent in the courtroom—trying cases, negotiating with law enforcement, and managing heavy caseloads—gives him a decisive advantage when defending clients charged with crimes today.
Before entering private practice, Christian also worked for the Department of Children and Families as a Child Protective Investigator. His daily responsibilities included investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect, interviewing witnesses, preparing reports, and coordinating with law enforcement and medical professionals. This background gives him unique insight into how dependency cases develop and how the State builds these actions. Today, he uses that knowledge to protect the rights of parents and to advocate for families during some of the most emotionally charged disputes.
Christian represents clients in all misdemeanor and felony matters, including DUI, Boating Under the Influence (BUI), drug charges, burglary, resisting arrest, probation violations, computer-related crimes, arson, theft offenses, and criminal appeals. In family law, he assists clients in divorce, child custody, and parenting-plan disputes, paternity cases, modifications of support, and enforcement or contempt proceedings. His investigative training and prosecutorial background allow him to anticipate issues early and build strong, evidence-driven strategies.
Christian is a partner at Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A., a veteran-owned law firm, and he proudly offers discounted rates on family law and criminal defense matters for all U.S. military veterans. Clients consistently describe him as accessible, straightforward, and exceptionally prepared; every client receives his personal cell phone number to ensure open communication.
Christian meets with clients throughout South Florida, including the firm’s law offices in Stuart, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Deerfield Beach. Whether inside or outside the courtroom, he is committed to protecting his clients’ rights with skill, diligence, and genuine care.
A former prosecutor and DCF investigator who brings unmatched investigative skill, courtroom strength, and personal accessibility to every criminal and family law case.
With experience on both sides of the criminal justice system, Christian delivers strategic, informed, and relentless defense for clients charged with any misdemeanor or felony.
Former prosecutor and trained investigator, Christian brings deep knowledge of DUI law, roadside procedures, and evidence challenges to every case. He builds strategic defenses, protects your license and record, and gives clients direct access throughout the entire process.
Christian’s background as a prosecutor and DCF investigator gives him rare insight into how domestic-violence cases are built, investigated, and prosecuted. He identifies weaknesses fast, protects clients from harmful accusations, and provides steady guidance through every stage.
Christian handles lawsuits and disputes with a disciplined, evidence-focused approach shaped by years of courtroom and investigative experience. He helps clients navigate conflict, protect their interests, and pursue efficient, effective resolutions.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
DUI and DWI
20%
Divorce and Separation
15%
16 years
Family
15%
16 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 19 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A.
(772) 283-8036
Fax
900 SE Ocean Boulevard, Suite 140-E, Stuart, FL, 34994
vanriperandnies.comVan Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A.
801 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407
vanriperandnies.comVan Riper & Nies Attorneys, PA
10 fairway Drive #139, Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441
vanriperandnies.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Christian online.
Christian Paul Van Riper's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
11 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (7)
Professionalism (5)
Recommendation (5)
Responsiveness (4)
Advocacy (3)
Character & Conduct (3)
Communication Style (3)
Cost of Services (3)
General Knowledge (3)
Practice Area Knowledge (3)
Trustworthiness (3)
Compassion (1)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2017 | Family
Great Attorney, incredible results!
Mr. Van Riper genuinely listened and spoke about my family law case, and the options I had. After speaking with many attorney's, Mr. Van Riper's consultation was thorough enough to avoid going to court. I can't thank you enough, and will definitely make referrals to this law firm.
Posted by Amanda | June 20, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Not Guilty
We found Van Riper and Nies through online reviews. We called and scheduled a consultation free of charge! Both were VERY helpful about the Florida court process and knowledgeable in all aspects of defense. Coming from Texas we were not familiar with the Florida Judicial system. My husband and ...
Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Grossly Incompetent, unskilled, unprofessional and lacked any follow up
I hired Christian in my domestic battery case and he had assured me early on that my sentence would be reasonable. I went 13 weeks at one point with him not accepting one of my calls while I was incarcerated. He also missed multiple appointments during my time incarcerated. Despite my reluctance t...
Christian Paul Van Riper's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Christian when he was a prosecutor at the State Attorney's Office. He was (and still is) one of the best trial lawyers on the Treasure Coast. He is never afraid to go to trial and fight for his clients. Moreover, Christian's knowledge of the law and ability to spot issues that other lawyers may overlook is second to none. I highly recommend Christian Van Riper to help you in your time of need."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Van Riper is an experienced attorney who works hard to obtain the best results for his clients."
"Mr. Van Riper is one of the most skilled orators and advocates for his clients, that I have seen. He displays the utmost in integrity and skills needed to obtain the best results for his clients. Passionate and compassionate-I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Christian Van Riper for approximately 5 years. We were opposing counsel many times when he was a prosecutor, and I have had the opportunity to see his transition into private practice. He is a knowlegeable, zealous advocate who strives to do his best for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Christian and I were prosecutors in the same office together, and we are now colleagues, and I also consider him a friend. Christian is a diligent, competent attorney who always zealously advocates his client's causes. I would trust him to handle a matter for a friend or family member. Christian is especially good at getting a continuance when more time is needed to defend a case properly."
"I endorse this lawyer. Christian as highly qualified Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Skills. He has a great combination of people skills and courtroom skills!"
"I endorse Chris. He fits into many of the roles asked of me to describe. He worked with my on a complex injury case many years ago, while he was still in law shool. Among other tasks, he located and interviewed witnesses - he did an incredible job. We've talked about opening our own firm for years. Chris is the lawyer that everyone likes - from judicial assistants and bailiffs, prosecutors, fellow attorneys, and judges. He is also an excellent writer. He did so well at Stetson College of Law, that he was chosen to intern as a law clerk for the Florida Supreme Court. I know that very few are chosen for this honor. Chris and I recently formed our own firm. He is a very compassionate and skilled criminal defense attorney. He spends as much time with his clients as they need. He tirelessly prepares every case, both criminal and civil."
Paul Kneski
Personal injury lawyer
James Regan
Criminal defense lawyer
Karen Tufte
Criminal defense lawyer
Timothy Nies
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2014
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Top 20 percent of the Class, Stetson University College of Law
2005
Florida Supreme Court Internship, Stetson University College of Law
2005
Honor Roll, Stetson University College of Law
2004
Honor Roll, Stetson University College of Law
2001
Graduated Magna Cum Laude, Florda Atlantic Univiersity
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Partner, Van Riper and Nies Attorneys, P.A.
2008 - 2010
Partner, Christian Van Riper
2006 - 2008
Assistant State Attorney, Florida State Attorney's Office
Associations
2007 - Present
ToastmastersMember
Martin County Bar Association
Member
Florida Bar
Member
Education
2005
Stetson University College of Law
law
Speaking Engagements
2015
Treasure Coast Executives Meeting
Criminal Defense Trends
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
316.605 Obscuring tags in Florida
09 Nov 2011
Q&A
How can i recant a statement made to police about a crime my boyfriend allegedly committed?
27 Sep 2011
Q&A
I had to turn in my passport when I was arrested and released on pretrial. I no longer have to go to court as I
28 Sep 2011