Steve Duckett handles criminal cases involving DUI and traffic violations, robbery, homicide, theft, as well as white-collar issues such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Steve's criminal law practice is based in Alexandria, Virginia and represents clients based in surrounding areas throughout the region including Loudoun, Culpeper, Prince William, and Fairfax counties.
Case Results
Federal Court and Virginia DUI
• Successfully represented high-ranking member of professional football team in reducing charges from DWI to Reckless Driving using scientific evidence calling into question the validity and accuracy of the government’s breath test
• Successfully represented member of US Army in reducing charges from DWI to Reckless Driving, despite breath test that was twice the legal limit, by discovering evidence that the breath test was not properly performed
• Successfully represented decorated combat veteran who had been falsely accused of DWI, harassed by military police, and arrested despite having no intoxicants in his system. Received apologies from officers involved.
• Successfully represented client who was charged with a second offense DWI by arguing procedures used by police in collection of evidence were inconsistent with Virginia law.
• Earned dismissal of case where blood evidence was challenged by expert witness, despite alleged levels of alcohol and other drugs over the legal limit.
White Collar Criminal Cases
• Successfully represented a Human Resources Manager who was targeted by United States Attorney’s Office for immigration fraud and contract fraud. No charges were ultimately filed despite government’s initial threat of years in prison, and despite many of client’s colleagues facing indictment and conviction.
• Represented client charged with participation in complex tax fraud conspiracy, reducing his exposure to criminal charges where he could have faced years in prison and received only sixty days in jail.
• Successfully represented client charged with money laundering, felony theft, and other charges totaling a possible 60 years in prison. After one mistrial in front of a jury, prosecution offered ten days in jail on a misdemeanor charge.
• Successfully limited client’s criminal exposure to Health Care Fraud charges, limiting indictment to only one count of Identity Fraud and reducing possible prison sentence from 8-10 years to 2 years.
• Successfully represented client in violation hearing where government alleged drug use while on probation. Client released from custody and returned to probation immediately after hearing challenging validity of government’s evidence.
Philosophy & Approach
Known for his proactive, innovative trial techniques and excellent client relations, Steve has experience successfully representing people from all walks of life, including CEO’s, professional athletes, White House and Congressional staff, and many others. Steve takes an aggressive approach with every case, fully investigating every element of the charged offense to find a way to win. He makes sure his clients are well informed and well prepared for court.
One particular source of pride for Steve is the many clients he represents who come to him through the referral process. The high esteem in which he is held within the Virginia court system is reflected in the perfect 10/10 “Superb” rating he maintains from the attorney peer review site AVVO.
Experience & Background
Steve was born and raised in Northern Virginia and has lived there all of his life, barring his time in college and law school. Steve graduated from the University of Richmond with a Political Science and Economics degree in 1994. Since receiving his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University in Indiana, he has practiced criminal law exclusively in the various courthouses of Northern Virginia, and is admitted to all courts in the Commonwealth.
Steve has been practicing law since 1997 and believes that the key to a successful attorney-client relationship is communication. All calls and emails are answered within one day, when possible, and all clients will be regularly kept informed of any progress or developments in their case.
In his free time, Steve volunteers to coach youth soccer and basketball teams. He has also spent many years volunteering for an environmental conservation organization. He lives with his wife and children in Clifton, Virginia.
