Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC provides experienced legal representation to individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Richmond and the surrounding region. Our lawyers in Richmond handle criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation matters across Richmond City and the neighboring courts of Henrico and Chesterfield County, advising clients on legal procedures, building case strategy, and arguing on their behalf before judges in each jurisdiction. Whether you’re facing criminal charges, navigating a divorce, or dealing with a business dispute, you’ll work directly with an attorney who understands Virginia law and how these courts operate.
Our Richmond office is located at 1315 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, and can be reached at (804) 636-3157.
Our lawyers bring decades of combined experience to clients throughout Richmond and the greater metro area. The firm was founded by William D. Ashwell and J. Gregory Ashwell, whose backgrounds include time spent as a judge and as a prosecutor – experience that directly shapes how we evaluate cases, anticipate how courts will respond, and advise clients on realistic outcomes.
Our team of lawyers includes:
Ashwell & Ashwell has been recognized by Avvo, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, and is a member of the Virginia State Bar and Fauquier County Bar Association.
We handle a range of legal matters for clients in Richmond and the surrounding area. Our primary practice areas serving the Richmond community are:
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor in Richmond City General District Court or a felony in Richmond City Circuit Court, the decisions made early in your case shape every outcome that follows. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged with DUI/DWI, drug offenses, assault, reckless driving, theft, and felonies throughout Richmond City, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County.
Divorce, child custody, and support matters in Richmond require attorneys who understand both Virginia law and the personal stakes involved. We represent individuals and families in contested and uncontested divorces, custody disputes, and spousal support proceedings across Richmond City Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts serving Richmond City, Henrico, and Chesterfield.
Civil litigation in the greater Richmond area spans multiple courts, multiple jurisdictions, and a legal market where opposing counsel is often experienced and well-resourced. Our civil litigation team handles breach of contract and business and contract disputes, partition actions, land and boundary disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, construction litigation, employment disputes, and wage and hour matters across Richmond City Circuit Court, Henrico County Circuit Court, and Chesterfield County Circuit Court – navigating the distinct procedural norms of each jurisdiction.
An unfavorable outcome at the trial court level doesn’t end the case – but pursuing an appeal in Virginia requires moving quickly and building a record the appellate court can work with. Our appellate attorneys handle both criminal and civil appeals arising out of Richmond City, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County courts, filing in the Court of Appeals of Virginia and, where appropriate, the Supreme Court of Virginia. Appellate practice operates under different rules than trial work – strict deadlines, a narrower scope of review, and an emphasis on written briefing – and we bring the procedural discipline those courts expect.
The Richmond metro area supports a broad commercial base – from established professional services firms to startups, family-owned businesses, and nonprofits operating across Richmond City, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Our business attorneys handle entity formation, corporate governance, contract drafting and negotiation, commercial transactions, and business tort claims for clients throughout Central Virginia. When disputes go to court, we litigate breach of contract, partnership and shareholder disagreements, and related commercial matters in Richmond City Circuit Court and the surrounding Circuit Courts.
Estate planning matters whether your assets are significant or modest – and for Richmond-area families spread across Richmond City, Henrico, and Chesterfield, the Circuit Court handling probate for each jurisdiction operates separately. Our estate planning attorneys prepare wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives tailored to each client’s family structure and goals. We also handle estate administration and probate after a loved one passes, guiding executors and administrators through the filings, creditor claims, and distributions required in the applicable Circuit Court.
A car accident, trucking collision, or other serious injury case changes more than the immediate aftermath – it reshapes medical, financial, and insurance questions that can take years to sort through. Our Richmond personal injury attorneys represent clients injured throughout Richmond City, Henrico, and Chesterfield, handling claims against insurance carriers and litigating in Circuit Court when settlement isn’t possible. Virginia is one of the few states that still applies pure contributory negligence, which makes case preparation and fault analysis especially important from the start.
Richmond’s court system is more complex than most Virginia markets. Clients living or charged in Richmond City, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County each fall under separate court jurisdictions – a distinction that affects procedure, scheduling, and strategy from the outset.
Richmond City Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and divorce proceedings for Richmond City residents. Jury trials are available.
Richmond City General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil claims under $25,000 for Richmond City. Cases are decided by a judge.
Richmond Manchester General District Court is an additional General District Court location serving Richmond City, handling traffic and misdemeanor matters on the south side.
Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil matters over $25,000, and divorce proceedings for Henrico County residents.
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil claims under $25,000 for Henrico County.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil matters over $25,000, and divorce proceedings for Chesterfield County residents.
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, and civil claims under $25,000 for Chesterfield County.
Our attorneys appear regularly across all of these courts and are familiar with the local procedures, docket conditions, and judicial expectations that differ between jurisdictions. Knowing exactly which court your matter is in – and what that means for your case – is one of the first things we establish with new Richmond clients.
In a market like Richmond, where cases can span multiple courts and jurisdictions, clear and consistent communication between attorney and client isn’t a courtesy – it’s what makes the difference in how cases get resolved. Our attorneys have a duty to act in your best interest: providing honest, competent, and confidential counsel throughout the representation. That means proactively keeping you informed as your matter develops, explaining what each procedural step means in plain terms, and ensuring you’re equipped to make informed decisions at every stage. It’s how we work, and it’s one of the reasons Richmond-area clients continue to choose Ashwell & Ashwell.
What sets Ashwell & Ashwell apart is the combination of courtroom experience, direct attorney access, and a practice built on knowing how courts actually work, not just what the law says on paper. Our founding attorneys bring backgrounds as a former judge and former prosecutor, giving us a practical understanding of how cases are evaluated from both sides.
You get the depth of a multi-attorney firm without being handed off to a junior associate or case manager. From your first call through resolution, you work directly with your attorney.
Getting started is straightforward. Contact our Richmond office by phone or through our online form, and a member of our team will reach out to understand your matter and connect you with the right attorney. Given the jurisdictional complexity of the greater Richmond area, we’ll also confirm which court or courts your matter involves before your consultation – so you come in with a clear picture of what you’re dealing with.
Our Richmond office serves clients throughout the greater Richmond metro area, including Richmond City, Henrico County, and Chesterfield County. For matters arising in other jurisdictions throughout Central Virginia, our attorneys are admitted to practice across the Commonwealth.
How do I look up a court case at Richmond Manchester General District Court?
Richmond Manchester General District Court case records – along with records from Richmond City General District Court, Henrico County General District Court, and Chesterfield General District Court – can all be searched through Virginia’s online case information system at va.courts.gov. The online records will show whether a case exists, the next scheduled court date, and the charge listed. What they won’t tell you is what that charge actually means under Virginia law, what penalties it carries, or what your options are. If you or a family member has a pending matter in any Richmond-area court and you need to understand what’s actually happening and what comes next, speaking with an attorney is the fastest way to get a clear answer.
What is the difference between Richmond City courts and Henrico or Chesterfield courts – and which court handles child custody?
Richmond is an independent city in Virginia, which means it operates its own court system entirely separate from the surrounding counties. If you were charged or served within Richmond City limits, your case will be heard in Richmond City Circuit Court or Richmond City General District Court – not in Henrico or Chesterfield. If the matter arose in Henrico County, it goes to Henrico County Circuit Court or Henrico County General District Court. Chesterfield County has its own separate Circuit Court and General District Court as well. This distinction determines where you appear, which judges and prosecutors handle your case, and how the local docket moves – getting it wrong costs time.
For child custody specifically, the court is different again. Initial custody, visitation, and child support matters are heard in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court – not Circuit Court. There are separate JDR courts for Richmond City, Henrico, and Chesterfield. A child custody lawyer in Richmond VA will file in the JDR court for the jurisdiction where the child lives. If you’re unsure which court applies to your situation, that’s one of the first things we establish with new family law clients.
Is reckless driving or DUI a criminal charge in Virginia – and what happens in Richmond courts?
Both are. In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor – not a traffic ticket – carrying the same criminal classification as a first-offense DUI. Driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit, or above 85 mph regardless of the posted limit, qualifies for reckless driving automatically. A DUI conviction in Virginia carries mandatory fines starting at $250 for a first offense, license suspension of up to one year, mandatory VASAP enrollment, and potential jail time – with significantly higher penalties for subsequent offenses. Both reckless driving and DUI cases in the Richmond area are heard in General District Court – Richmond City, Henrico, or Chesterfield depending on where the stop occurred – and both result in a permanent criminal record upon conviction. Many people charged with either offense don’t realize they’re facing a criminal charge, not a civil infraction, until they appear in court.
How much does a divorce cost in Richmond, VA?
Cost depends almost entirely on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce – where both spouses have already agreed on property division, support, and any custody issues – involves filing fees in the appropriate Circuit Court (Richmond City, Henrico, or Chesterfield depending on where you reside) plus limited attorney time for document preparation and court filings. Most divorce lawyers in Richmond VA will tell you this is the least expensive and fastest path when it’s available. A contested divorce, where the parties disagree on one or more issues, involves substantially more attorney time and can range from several thousand dollars to significantly more depending on the complexity of the assets, whether custody is disputed, and how far the matter proceeds toward trial. We discuss fee structures directly with clients at the outset – the goal is that you understand the likely cost range before committing to a path forward.
Where is Ashwell & Ashwell’s Richmond office and how do I schedule a consultation?
Our Richmond office is located at 1315 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219. You can reach us by phone at (804) 636-3157 or through our online contact form. When you get in touch, a member of our team will ask about your matter and arrange time with an attorney. We offer consultations by phone or in person at our Richmond office.
Ready to speak with a Richmond attorney? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
A criminal defense attorney serves as your advocate and guide throughout every stage of your legal proceedings. From the moment of arrest or charge, your attorney will explain your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case. They will investigate the facts, review evidence, file pretrial motions, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or plea agreements, and represent you vigorously at trial if necessary. Your attorney ensures that law enforcement and the prosecution respect your constitutional rights at every turn, working to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
In general, the civil litigation process encompasses several crucial stages, beginning with the Pleadings phase, where parties formally outline their claims and defenses. Following that, the Discovery stage allows both sides to gather evidence through depositions and document requests to support their case. Pre-trial motions aim to resolve the case or limit issues before trial. If unresolved, the process moves to Trial, where the case is argued in court. Finally, the Appeal phase offers a chance to challenge the trial’s outcome. Each stage is pivotal, designed to ensure fairness and resolve disputes effectively.
A DUI conviction in Virginia carries serious consequences that can affect many areas of your life. For a first offense, you may face fines starting at $250, a 12-month license suspension, mandatory enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), and possible jail time. Subsequent offenses result in significantly harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions, higher fines, mandatory minimum jail sentences, and the possibility of felony charges. A DUI conviction also creates a permanent criminal record, which can impact your employment, insurance rates, and professional licenses. Our attorneys work aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Our family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters affecting families and individuals. We represent clients in divorce and legal separation proceedings, including both contested and uncontested cases. We also handle child custody and visitation disputes, child support and spousal support (alimony) matters, equitable distribution of marital property, and the enforcement or modification of existing court orders. Additionally, our attorneys assist with adoption proceedings, paternity actions, domestic violence protective orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Whatever your family law matter, our team is committed to protecting your rights and the well-being of your family.
A comprehensive Virginia estate plan typically includes several key documents. A Last Will and Testament outlines how your assets will be distributed and may name a guardian for minor children. A Revocable Living Trust allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate. Financial Powers of Attorney designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, while a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive (Living Will) specify your healthcare preferences and appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies and retirement accounts are also critical components. Our estate planning attorneys will work with you to ensure all documents are properly drafted and reflect your wishes.
