Criminal & Constitutional Law

Mr. Tarris has handled hundreds of criminal and traffic matters throughout western and central Virginia from reckless driving to armed robbery. His track record includes:

UNDEFEATED in JURY TRIALS including 3 separate assault and battery charges against a single client who was acquitted by 2 separate juries.

UNDEFEATED in VIRGINIA COURT OF APPEALS including a finding that a Circuit Court Judge violated an order of the Supreme Court of Virginia in a pro bono case.

Had client acquitted after he was falsely charged with armed robbery of a police officer's daughter of holding her and her infant child at gun point.

Had client acquitted of reckless driving where a patrolling officer testified that my client ran her patrol car off the road.

Had client acquitted of breaking and entering when he was found naked in a strangers' home.

Had client's acquitted of drug possession when the dog sniff held invalid due to poor training.

Had client's 104 mph reckless driving charge reduced to a minor traffic infraction.

Had client's drug distribution charges dropped where a police officer testified that he witnessed a drug transaction and found drugs after searching client's vehicle.

If you do not feel free to leave a police encounter or have been charged with a crime you should:

1.) Explain to the officer that you are requesting your attorney before continuing. Do not make any further verbal or written statements about your case.

2.) Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

3.) Take any notes or pictures, record any conversations, and collect any other documents, evidence or witnesses that prove your innocence and good character.

• DUI §18.2-266
• Possession or Distribution of a Controlled Substance §18.2-250
• Trespassing §18.2-119
• Assault & Battery §18.2-57
• Embezzlement §18.2-111 & Fraud §18.2-178
• Petite Larceny §18.2-96 & Grand Larceny §18.2-95
• Hunting & Firearm Violations
• Destruction of Property §18.2-137
• Obstruction of Justice §18.2-460
• Failure to Appear §19.2-128

We will make our first appearance at your bail hearing or advisement hearing. From there we will schedule a date for your trial or preliminary hearing. The matter will then either be resolved or be referred up to the Circuit Court for motion hearings, a trial & sentencing. The case may be appealled to the Virginia Court of Appeals if the Circuit Court has been recorded making a legal error after sufficient notice via motion or objection.

Often times the best defense will be based on a small mistake that violates your constitutional rights such as an improper search, seizure, warrant, investigation or even during your hearing that your attorney is trained to find based reading and researching numerous appellate cases.

1.) Why you are not a flight risk and will attend your hearing, facts such as a job, a lease or deed with you name on it, family or otherwise can help show this.

2.) Why you are not a danger to the community. We need to explain to the judge why and under what conditions he can trust you not to harm the community.

Tell your attorney everything that happened that you think might be relevant, tell him who the other parties are, what the officers might know or think, what evidence is out there, what mitigating factors are in your favor and any defenses or constitutional violations you believe may have occurred. Explain the stop, seizure, search and any mistreatment or pressure you may have been under from the officer.

We will work to get your case resolved asap by preparing a defense strategy that covers all the bases. Procedural Errors, Virginia Case Law, U.S. Constitutional Law, etc. Mr. Tarris has seen it all and will help you minimize the damage so you can get back on track during this tough time. Call 540-319-4111 to get us started on your defense strategy.