71/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 175 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Roanoke, VA: 2026 rankings
40 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Roanoke: Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense, LFR Score 71/100; 4.7★ from 175 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 3
Open 24 hours (per Google): Roanoke Criminal Attorneys, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #3 of 40.
- 6
Most-reviewed: Law Office of Joel S. Jackson, P.C., 138 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 40 ranked after Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense; ranked #6.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
40 Roanoke criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 2 are open 24/7, 3 open Saturdays and 2 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.4★ across 40 rated law firms.
Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense | 71 | 4.7★ (175) | Roanoke | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Moheb Legal Defense, PLLC | 65 | 4.8★ (57) | Roanoke | — | — |
| 3 | Roanoke Criminal Attorneys | 64 | 4.4★ (15) | Cave Spring, 10 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 4 | Chris K. Kowalczuk | 63 | 4.5★ (39) | Roanoke | — | — |
| 5 | Virginia Cannabis Lawyers | 63 | 5.0★ (20) | Roanoke | — | — |
| 6 | Law Office of Joel S. Jackson, P.C. | 62 | 4.7★ (138) | Blacksburg, 26 mi away | — | Most reviews |
| 7 | Law Office of Seth C. Weston, PLC | 62 | 4.7★ (18) | Roanoke | — | — |
| 8 | Melvin L Hill | 61 | 3.8★ (32) | Roanoke | — | — |
| 9 | L. Brad Braford, PC | 60 | 4.0★ (10) | Roanoke | — | — |
| 10 | Neil Horn, P.C. Attorney at Law | 58 | 5.0★ (7) | Salem, 6 mi away | — | — |
All 40 criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Based in Roanoke
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 57 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Cave Spring, 10 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 39 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Blacksburg, 26 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 138 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.8★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Salem, 6 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 116 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 111 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.5★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.4★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Christiansburg, 27 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Salem, 6 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 64 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Christiansburg, 27 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Blacksburg, 26 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 60 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.1★ from 69 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#22 Myers Law, P.C.
Based in Blacksburg, 26 mi away
53/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 51 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Roanoke
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Salem, 7 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#25 Phillips Law Plc
Based in Christiansburg, 27 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
All 40 criminal defense lawyers
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #40, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Wilson C. Pasley, PLC | 52 | 3.8★ (26) | In Roanoke |
| 27 | Spencer Law PLLC | 52 | 4.1★ (33) | 4 mi |
| 28 | Mel Williams PLC | 51 | 3.8★ (18) | In Roanoke |
| 29 | David W Rhodes Attorney-At-Law, P.L.C. | 50 | 4.5★ (80) | 27 mi |
| 30 | Law Office of Stephen R. Wills Attorney, Valley Wills | 50 | 5.0★ (7) | 5 mi |
| 31 | Magee Goldstein Lasky & Sayers PC | 50 | 3.8★ (6) | In Roanoke |
| 32 | Spicer, Olin & Associates, P.C. | 50 | 4.6★ (54) | 26 mi |
| 33 | Dennis Nagel Attorney at Law | 49 | 4.3★ (88) | 28 mi |
| 34 | The Robertson Law Firm, PLLC | 49 | 4.7★ (19) | 26 mi |
| 35 | Jeffrey L Dorsey PC Attorney at Law | 49 | 3.3★ (33) | 7 mi |
| 36 | Jason V. Wolfrey | 47 | 4.0★ (4) | 27 mi |
| 37 | Roberts Law PLLC | 46 | 4.1★ (17) | 26 mi |
| 38 | Stephanie G Cox, PLC | 45 | 5.0★ (8) | 27 mi |
| 39 | McNichols Wade M Attorney | 45 | 3.7★ (14) | 27 mi |
| 40 | Bruce T. Phillips, Attorney & Counsellor at Law | 44 | 5.0★ (4) | 27 mi |
Also serving Roanoke
20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Altizer Law, P.C. | 4.7★ (42) | In Roanoke |
| Darren Delafield | 4.8★ (61) | In Roanoke |
| Gentry Locke Attorneys | 4.2★ (47) | In Roanoke |
| Gick Law, PLLC | 5.0★ (357) | In Roanoke |
| Hyatt Browning Shirkey Law Firm | 4.8★ (59) | In Roanoke |
| Kalfus & Nachman PC | 4.4★ (108) | In Roanoke |
| Law Office of Patrick J. Kenney | 4.4★ (36) | In Roanoke |
| Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley | 3.8★ (136) | In Roanoke |
| Mark Hurt Law Firm - Injury & Disability Attorneys | 5.0★ (257) | In Roanoke |
| Munro Byrd, Attorneys at Law | 5.0★ (71) | In Roanoke |
| Newton & Sullivan Law | 5.0★ (38) | In Roanoke |
| OPN Law | 3.7★ (48) | In Roanoke |
| Skolrood Law Firm | 4.5★ (95) | In Roanoke |
| Slovensky Divorce & Family Law | 4.8★ (127) | In Roanoke |
| SublettPearson PLC | 2.1★ (69) | In Roanoke |
| The Daniel Law Firm, P.C. | 4.7★ (45) | In Roanoke |
| The Law Office of James Steele, PLLC | 4.5★ (52) | In Roanoke |
| The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates | 4.5★ (381) | In Roanoke |
| The Thomson Law Firm | 5.0★ (108) | In Roanoke |
| Wiese Law Firm, PLC | 4.5★ (40) | In Roanoke |
How we ranked Roanoke criminal defense lawyers
We scored 40 Roanoke criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Roanoke data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose a criminal defense lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
- Who will appear with me at each hearing?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke: frequently asked questions
Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Roanoke?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Roanoke, VA is Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense with an LFR Score of 71/100. It has 4.7★ from 175 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Moheb Legal Defense, PLLC (#2) and Roanoke Criminal Attorneys (#3) follow. We ranked 40 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Roanoke?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 40 criminal defense lawyers serving Roanoke, VA. 18 of them are based in Roanoke; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke are open 24/7?
2 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense (#1) and Roanoke Criminal Attorneys (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke work on weekends?
3 of 40 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 2 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense (#1) and Roanoke Criminal Attorneys (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Roanoke criminal defense lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 40 rated criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke is 4.4★, with a median of 23 reviews. Roanoke Valley Criminal Defense has the most, 175 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?
Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do criminal defense lawyers outside Roanoke count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Roanoke city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke, VA charge?
Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Roanoke, VA ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Roanoke?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Roanoke
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 40 criminal defense lawyers serving Roanoke.
More criminal defense lawyers and Roanoke pages
Criminal defense lawyers near Roanoke
- Criminal defense lawyers in Hollins, VA40 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Cave Spring, VA40 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Salem, VA42 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Blacksburg, VA42 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Christiansburg, VA42 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Radford, VA24 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Timberlake, VA14 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Martinsville, VA10 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in West Lynchburg, VA14 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Lynchburg, VA14 ranked
Other practice areas in Roanoke
- Personal injury lawyers in Roanoke59 ranked
- Social Security disability lawyers in Roanoke8 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in Roanoke23 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Roanoke16 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in Roanoke12 ranked
- Employment lawyers in Roanoke8 ranked
- Business lawyers in Roanoke5 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in Roanoke8 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in Roanoke12 ranked
- General practice lawyers in Roanoke91 ranked
- All lawyers in Roanoke