I've been providing zealous representation throughout Central Virginia for over 30 years. As an experienced litigator in both jury and bench trials, I earned my jail nickname, “The Beast.” I graduated from The Collegiate Schools in 1986, earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from The Rochester Institute of Technology in 1991, and received my Juris Doctorate from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1995. I've been a member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar since 1995 and was admitted to practice law in the United States 4th Circuit in 1996. I'm also a member of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Hanover County Bar Association, the Henrico County Bar Association, the Richmond Criminal Bar Association, the Metro Women’s Bar Association and Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity.
As a criminal defense attorney, I have extensive experience defending adult and juvenile clients against a vast array of charges ranging from simple misdemeanors to felonies such as drug distribution, robbery, and murder. I hold the government’s feet to the fire in every case. Where possible, I utilize my knowledge of the Constitution to suppress the government’s evidence, preventing unlawfully obtained evidence from being utilized at trial and often resulting in a full dismissal of all charges. Even in cases where the government’s evidence of guilt is insurmountable, I use my strong empathetic nature and genuine appreciation of my clients’ individual strengths, weaknesses and unique life circumstances to help myelf guide the Court in finding alternatives to incarceration which can effectively minimize the risk of re-offending while enabling the client to continue with their lives at home with their children and other loved ones who rely on them.
In addition to criminal defense, I represent clients in serious traffic allegations such as DWI (driving while impaired due to drugs or alcohol), reckless driving, habitual offender violations, and failure to yield.
I handle quasi-criminal matters such as probation violation proceedings, show causes, and protective orders. I can also assist by obtaining Court orders for the expungement and sealing of criminal records, and for the restoration of driving privileges and firearm rights.
As a family law practitioner, Barbara handles all matters related to parenting and divorce including initial petitions and motions to amend custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, paternity suits and adoption. She assists clients by preparing and reviewing separation agreements and pre- and post-nuptial agreements, as well as handling various miscellaneous matters adjacent to family law such as name changes and deed preparation.
Finally, I assist my clients with estate related matters by preparing their necessary end of life documentation such as wills, advanced medical directives, durable power of attorney, transfer on death deeds, and numerous other deeds transferring real estate ownership.
Whatever your legal needs, I'm happy to meet with you and assist you in achieving the best possible legal outcome under the circumstances.
