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Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Attorney in Virginia Beach

Protecting Your Rights Against Criminal Charges in Virginia

At Hallauer Law Firm, we have years of experience protecting the rights of the criminally accused and have successfully handled a full range of cases. From traffic offenses to violent crimes, our criminal defense attorney has the ability to take on even the most complex and challenging cases. No matter the charges our clients face, we are determined to help them obtain the best possible outcome.

Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our Virginia Beach criminal defense attorney is ready to protect your rights. Call (757) 474-0089 to schedule a free case review today.

Understanding the Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney in Virginia

A criminal defense attorney is a legal professional who represents individuals or organizations accused of committing a crime. Their role includes:

  • Understanding criminal law and courtroom procedures: using this knowledge to build a strong and strategic defense.
  • Working with investigators: gathering facts, reviewing evidence, and uncovering details that strengthen the case.
  • Interviewing potential witnesses: identifying helpful testimony and challenging unreliable statements.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors: aiming to reduce charges, limit penalties, or reach favorable agreements.
  • Protecting the client’s rights and freedom: ensuring fair treatment and guiding clients through the complexity of the criminal justice system.

Our firm's lead attorney, Scott Hallauer, not only has 28 years of experience but also served as a prosecutor prior to becoming a trial attorney fighting on behalf of defendants. This has provided our legal team with a wealth of insight into how to create strong strategies to combat the prosecution's evidence and case against our clients.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services We Offer in Virginia Beach

Our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyers can assist with any of the following cases:

  • DUI: Defending clients against DUI charges in Virginia Beach by challenging traffic stops, testing procedures, and protecting driving privileges.
  • Driving With a Suspended License: Helping you fight suspended-license charges and work toward restoring your driving rights.
  • Domestic Violence: Protecting your rights in domestic violence cases by scrutinizing evidence, statements, and police actions.
  • Drug Crimes: Defending drug possession, distribution, and trafficking cases with strong challenges to unlawful searches.
  • Federal Crimes: Handling complex federal charges with strategic defense focused on minimizing severe penalties.
  • Juvenile Crimes: Representing minors facing criminal allegations, aiming for rehabilitation-focused outcomes.
  • Underage Possession of Alcohol: Helping young clients fight alcohol-related charges to protect their records and future opportunities.
  • Reckless Driving: Defending reckless driving cases to reduce fines, points, and potential license impact.
  • Sex Crimes: Providing discreet, aggressive defense against serious sex-crime allegations in Virginia Beach courts.
  • Violent Crimes: Fighting assault, robbery, and other violent crime charges with a thorough, evidence-driven defense.
  • Weapon and Gun Crimes: Defending firearm-related charges by challenging evidence and asserting your constitutional rights.

Whether you are dealing with misdemeanor or felony charges at the state or federal level, our Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer can help you fight to protect your rights and freedom.

How Our Team Prepares for Your Criminal Defense in Virginia Beach

Each client deserves a strategy designed around their circumstances, and our approach is built on careful preparation and close attention to local legal procedures. Key steps our criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach takes to prepare your defense include:

  • Investigating arrest reports to identify errors or procedural issues
  • Gathering supporting documents from court records and law enforcement
  • Interviewing potential witnesses who may offer testimony in your favor
  • Reviewing Virginia law and how it applies to the specific charges involved
  • Preparing you for court appearances and answering questions about local practices

Communication is critical during this process, and we make sure to keep clients informed at every stage. Our legal team explains the options available, such as possible plea agreements, diversion programs in the Virginia Beach judicial system, or plans to take a case to trial. This helps clients make informed choices while reducing unnecessary stress. Because our office has years of experience with the local courts, we are familiar with scheduling, required documents, and expectations for appearances, which can help your case proceed efficiently.

Our priority is to be both thorough and transparent as we develop your defense, ensuring your rights are guarded at every step. We believe that a thoughtful, well-researched strategy can make a significant difference in the courts of Virginia Beach and the surrounding area.

Local Criminal Defense Resources for Virginia Beach Residents

Living in Virginia Beach, you should know that you’re not alone when facing criminal charges. The city is home to numerous resources that can provide valuable assistance during such challenging times. Being proactive in understanding your rights is essential.

Several local resources can assist individuals facing criminal charges in Virginia Beach:

  • The Virginia Beach Police Department is a key point of contact for public safety concerns and understanding how law enforcement interacts with residents during an investigation.
  • Virginia Beach Court Services provides procedural guidance, court dates, and connects individuals with programs that might offer alternatives to jail.
  • Local support organizations offer assistance for addiction recovery, domestic matters, and other personal issues that may be impacted by criminal charges.

In situations where someone needs clear guidance, working with a criminal attorney in Virginia Beach who understands both local ordinances and procedures at venues like the Virginia Beach General District Court can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. 

Local knowledge is critical, especially since court procedures, judges, and available diversion programs differ from those in other cities. By hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience dealing with the specific details of Virginia Beach courts, clients are equipped to make well-informed decisions regarding their legal options and opportunities for resolution. This attention to local details helps individuals anticipate what to expect at each stage, reducing surprises and allowing more effective preparation.

Why Choose Hallauer Law Firm for Your Defense in Virginia Beach

If you are searching for a criminal lawyer Virginia Beach residents can trust, Hallauer Law Firm provides not only advocacy in the courtroom but ongoing guidance throughout every stage of the criminal process. Our clients often comment on our ability to explain complex legal issues in a way that makes them easier to understand, ensuring no one feels lost or overwhelmed by legal terminology.

This client-focused approach is just as important to our criminal defense strategy as our legal skills, especially given the high stakes involved for individuals facing charges in the Virginia Beach area. We draw on our extensive experience before local judges and in courts like the Virginia Beach Circuit Court, so we can anticipate how prosecutors may build their cases—and develop a strategy that is both rigorous and tailored to your situation.

Get in Touch with Our Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

At Hallauer Law Firm, we proudly defend clients facing a variety of charges both in and out of the courtroom. Whether you are just under investigation or have been formally charged. You need a lawyer now. We understand that facing criminal allegations is an overwhelming experience and that you need an experienced and aggressive legal advocate at this time. Attorney Scott Hallauer, a former prosecutor, is here to provide the guidance and representation that you require to effectively navigate the legal system.

If you are currently under investigation for a crime or have been charged with a criminal offense, don't wait to consult with our Virginia Beach criminal defense attorney. Reaching out to our law firm today is the first step to ensure that your rights and freedom are protected and your legal needs are met.

Contact Hallauer Law Firm or call (757) 474-0089 today to speak with our criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach.

A Navy Lawyer in a Navy Town Meet Attorney Scott F. Hallauer
Scott Hallauer is a seasoned trial attorney based in Virginia Beach, with a distinguished background as a former prosecutor and a Reserve Navy JAG Corps Officer. He brings decades of legal experience, offering dedicated representation in criminal defense, family law, traffic matters, personal injury, and military law. A graduate of Loyola University School of Law, Scott began his legal career in the Navy JAG Corps and later served as a prosecutor in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Since founding his own firm in 2006, he has used his deep courtroom experience to defend clients across the Tidewater region. CAPT Hallauer continues to serve in the Navy Reserve and has earned multiple military honors for his service.

Put Your Case in Our Hands

Four Reasons to Choose Hallauer Law Firm
  • 28 Years of Experience
    Our lead attorney has over two decades of experience helping clients throughout Hampton Roads.
  • Reserve JAG Officer & Former Prosecutor
    Attorney Hallauer's unique experience as a JAG Officer and Prosecutor offers a strategic advantage to his clients.
  • Military Discounts
    As gratitude for their service, we offer discounts to all military members, dependents, and veterans.
  • Free Consultations
    Your initial consultation is always free and confidential.
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
  • Virginia Beach Bar Association
  • Navy Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals
  • United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia

Contact Us Today

Call (757) 474-0089

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Client Reviews

Honest Feedback from Former Clients
    "Provided Great Support to Our Family"
    The professionalism and empathy displayed by this office has been greatly appreciated by our family.
    - Lori H.
    "Expert, Professional & Steadfast Representation"
    I give the Hallauer law firm my highest recommendation for anyone seeking quality representation or legal advice.
    - John K.
    "Come to This Firm First"
    Scott Hallauer and his staff are amazing people. They helped me get everything in the court system squared away and at a fair price. I highly recommend anyone looking for an attorney to come here first.
    - George B.
    "Goes Above & Beyond for His Clients"
    He truly cares about his clients and will represent you like he was fighting for a family member.
    - Amanda H.
    "I Will Never Forget All He Has Done for My Family"
    I would like to thank Mr. Hallauer for representing my husband. I will never forget all he has done for my family.
    - Lisa H.
    "Thank You for Your Time"
    Your help speaks both to your character and professionalism and was greatly appreciated.
    - Christina K.
    "Very Professional & Courteous"
    Hallauer Law Firm is an asset to the Hampton Roads Community.
    - Melissa L.
    "Outstanding Job"
    The clients I have referred them are always please with their representation.
    - Hopkins Bail Bonds