Skip to main content

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Virginia & North Carolina

Facing a criminal charge in Virginia or North Carolina? Our criminal defense practice is led by Partner Steven Thomas, a trial attorney, member of the National College for DUI Defense, and 2025 Coastal Virginia Magazine Top Lawyer in Traffic Law. We review the evidence, explain your options in plain English, and build a defense strategy around your case and your future.

  • Led by Partner Steven Thomas
  • Over 1,000 Traffic & Criminal Clients Represented
  • Licensed in Virginia & North Carolina
  • Free Criminal Defense Consultation
GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Get a Free Consultation

  • Talk with an attorney about your charge
  • Understand your options before your court date
  • Over 1,000 traffic and criminal clients represented
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
★★★★★

“Steven Thomas is a phenomenal lawyer. Easy going experience.”

Mark C., 5-Star Google Review

WHERE WE DEFEND

VIRGINIA & NORTH CAROLINA

CLIENTS REPRESENTED

1,000+

STEVEN THOMAS

2025 TOP LAWYER, TRAFFIC LAW

Your Defense, Led by Steven Thomas

When your record, your license, or your freedom is on the line, you deserve a trial attorney who knows the courtroom and will tell you the truth about your case.
Steven Thomas, Attorney and Partner

Steven Thomas

Attorney & Partner

Steven Thomas is a Partner at McCormick Law & Consulting and leads the firm's criminal and traffic defense practice, including our Driving Defense Law division. His practice focuses on DWI, reckless driving, and traffic-related cases at every level, from infractions to misdemeanors and felonies.

Steven is always on offense, fighting for the best result for every client and putting his clients' needs above the prosecutor's demands. He is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and is trained in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Standardized Field Sobriety Testing guidelines, the same standards officers are trained to follow in DUI investigations. He is committed to continually sharpening his DWI defense skills.

A Virginia native, Steven graduated from Regent University School of Law, where he received the Virginia Trial Lawyers Foundation Trial Advocacy Award and the Corporate, Commercial & Transactional Law Award. As Chairman of the Trial Advocacy Board, he led Regent Law to a National Trial Advocacy Championship.

Recognition and credentials
  • Faces of Traffic & DUI Law, CoVa Biz Magazine (2026)
  • Top Lawyer in Traffic Law, Coastal Virginia Magazine (2025)
  • Member, National College for DUI Defense
  • Trained in NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
  • Licensed in Virginia and North Carolina
Read Steven’s Full Bio

CHARGES WE DEFEND

Criminal and Traffic Defense in Virginia and North Carolina

Whether this is your first charge or you are facing something more serious, we will walk you through the process and your options at every stage.

Misdemeanor Charges

Defense for misdemeanor charges in General District Court and North Carolina District Court.

Felony Charges

Representation from the earliest stages of a felony case through preliminary hearings and Circuit or Superior Court.

DUI / DWI

Defense against driving under the influence charges, including first offenses, underage, and repeat charges.

Driving Defense Law

Reckless Driving & Speeding

Reckless driving and serious speeding charges that can carry jail time, fines, and license consequences.

Driving Defense Law

Suspended License Charges

Driving on a suspended or revoked license, and help understanding how to get your privileges back.

Hit & Run and Eluding

Serious driving-related charges that can carry criminal penalties and long-term consequences.

Not sure if we handle your charge? Tell us about your case and we will let you know. For driving offenses, also see our Driving Defense Law practice.

Charged With a Crime? Talk to Us Before Your Court Date.

The earlier we are involved, the more options you may have. Tell us about your case and schedule a free criminal defense consultation.

GET A FREE CONSULTATION

HOW WE DEFEND YOUR CASE

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Every case is different, but our approach is the same: understand the facts, explain your options, and fight for the best result available.

1. Free Consultation

Tell us about the charge and your court date. We will explain the process and how we can help.

2. Review the Evidence

We obtain and review the charging documents and the evidence against you, and look for weaknesses in the case.

3. Build Your Strategy

We explain your options, which may include challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, or taking the case to trial.

4. Represent You in Court

We stand beside you in court and keep you informed from the first hearing to the final resolution.

WHAT IS AT STAKE

A Criminal Charge Can Follow You Long After Court

The consequences of a conviction often reach far beyond fines or jail time. A strong defense protects more than the outcome of one hearing.

Your Record

A conviction can appear on background checks for years and affect housing, education, and future opportunities.

Your Driver's License

Many charges, especially DUI and reckless driving, carry license suspensions, points, and insurance increases.

Your Job & Professional License

Employers, licensing boards, and security clearance reviews may consider criminal convictions.

Your Freedom & Finances

Depending on the charge, penalties can include jail time, fines, court costs, probation, and mandatory programs.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED

Steps to Take Right Now

Write Down Your Court Date

Missing a court date can lead to additional charges or a warrant. Keep your summons or charging papers somewhere safe.

Do Not Discuss Your Case

Avoid talking about the facts with anyone other than your attorney, including on social media.

Gather Your Documents

Keep your summons, warrant, bond paperwork, and any related records together for your consultation.

Talk to an Attorney Early

The sooner we are involved, the more time we have to review the evidence and prepare your defense.

WHERE WE PRACTICE

Defending Clients in Virginia and North Carolina Courts

From our Norfolk office, we represent clients in courts across Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina, including:

Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, and Northampton County.

North Carolina

Camden, Currituck, and Pasquotank Counties, including Elizabeth City and Moyock.

Charged somewhere else in Virginia or North Carolina? Contact us and we will let you know whether we can help.

What Traffic and Criminal Defense Clients Say

Real reviews from clients our team has represented through our Driving Defense Law division. Read more client reviews. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Gabriel M.

5-Star Google Review
Driving Defense Law saved me twice ! Definitely recommend to anyone that needs representation for any traffic law infractions. I needed representation for a speeding ticket and Steven Thomas was able to get it dismissed for me with three days notice. Later I got a ticket for running a red light and he was able to get that dismissed too. My driving record is clean and I seriously owe it to them. Rad place, rad people !

Fares S.

5-Star Google Review
I had a great experience with Attorney Steven Thomas and the team at McCormick Law & Consulting. Steven was professional, knowledgeable, and made the whole process easy and stress-free. My case was dismissed, and I truly appreciate his excellent representation. I highly recommend Steven Thomas and Driving Defense Law Thank you, guys, for everything

Parker S.

5-Star Google Review
I highly recommend attorney Steven Thomas to anyone looking for a very smart and professional lawyer. Him and his assistant DaVeeta Marshall were very nice to work with, kept very clear communication, and always kept me updated on what was happening so I was never confused about anything. Steven ended up getting both of my charges completely dropped just from one small detail that was missed by the police. Very grateful and highly recommend!

Lili R.

5-Star Google Review
Alex Rich was the best as well as Ms. Daveeta. They were both insanely helpful and VERY patient with me. I never felt uncomfortable to ask a question and they actually follow up. I highly recommend this business!

Clarence B.

5-Star Google Review
Amazing work, amazing woman, amazing staff. Kari Ann is such a great lawyer. Would highly recommend!!

    Protect Your Record, Your License, and Your Future

    Tell us about your case and schedule a free criminal defense consultation, or call us at (757) 250-5300.

    GET A FREE CONSULTATION

    Criminal Defense Attorney FAQs

    Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor or traffic charge?
    Many misdemeanors and some traffic offenses can carry jail time, fines, license consequences, and a permanent record. An attorney can review the evidence and explain your options before you decide how to handle the charge.
    Can my charges be reduced or dismissed?
    Sometimes. The result depends on the facts, the evidence, your record, and the court. No attorney can guarantee an outcome, but we will give you an honest assessment of your case and pursue the best result available.
    Do I have to go to court?
    It depends on the charge and the court. Many criminal charges require you to appear in person. We will tell you what is required in your case and stand with you at every hearing.
    Do you handle criminal cases in North Carolina?
    Yes. Steven Thomas is licensed in Virginia and North Carolina, and we represent clients in northeastern North Carolina courts, including Camden, Currituck, and Pasquotank Counties.
    How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
    Fees depend on the charge, the court, and the work your case requires. We discuss fees during your free consultation, before you commit to anything.
    What should I bring to my consultation?
    Bring your summons, warrant, or other charging papers, any bond paperwork, your court date, and any documents related to the charge.
    Will a conviction stay on my record?
    In general, convictions remain on your criminal record. Virginia and North Carolina each have laws that allow certain records to be expunged or sealed in limited circumstances. We can discuss whether that may apply to you.

    Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorneys licensed in Virginia and North Carolina.

    Get a Free Consultation

    Tell us about your case. We will review it and follow up promptly to schedule your free consultation.

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    • By providing your phone number, you agree to receive SMS updates, reminders, and important notifications from McCormick Law, PC d/b/a McCormick Law & Consulting. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying "STOP" to any message. View our Privacy Policy.

    • Disclaimer: In communicating with us in response to this website, do not send any confidential information. Information sent to us in response to this website will not be treated as confidential and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Our professional obligations require us to perform a conflicts check before undertaking any legal representation of you. No attorney-client relationship exists or should be assumed as a result of this communication. By submitting this form, you are opting into our mailing list (your information will not be shared with anyone else).