Fairfax, Virginia Criminal Defense Firm

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FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE FIRM

Fairfax, Virginia DUI, Criminal Defense & Traffic Ticket Attorney

Strategic, courtroom-tested representation in DUI/DWI, traffic offenses, and criminal cases across Fairfax and all of Northern Virginia.

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  • Free, Confidential Case Evaluation
  • Author of Two Published Virginia Criminal Law Books
  • Hundreds of DUI, Traffic & Criminal Cases Defended
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Attorney Garrett D. Green

Fairfax-based attorney

Garrett D. Green

Introduction

A Fairfax AttorneyWho Knows the Local Courts

Garrett D. Green is a partner at Nichols & Green, PLLC in Fairfax, Virginia, where he handles DUI, traffic, and criminal defense in the General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts of Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Loudoun, and Prince William, along with Fauquier, Stafford, Clarke, Shenandoah, and the Front Royal area.

Knowing the law is only part of building a defense. What matters just as much is knowing how a specific judge or prosecutor in a specific courthouse tends to handle a case like yours, and Garrett has spent his career in these exact courtrooms. He's also the author of two published legal guides, the Virginia Drug Crimes Defense Manual and Defending Virginia Property Crimes, and clients consistently point to his straight answers and his willingness to take a case to trial rather than push a plea.
Discuss Your Case Meet Garrett Green

Why Local Counsel Matters

Why Hire a Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney

A local defense is built around the law, the evidence, the courthouse and the decisions that must be made at every stage.

  1. 01

    Someone who has tried cases in front of the judge you'll be in front of knows what actually moves the needle, not just what the statute says.

  2. 02

    You have rights at every stage of a criminal or DUI case, from the traffic stop through sentencing, and it's easy to give them up without realizing it.

  3. 03

    A defense attorney can negotiate directly with the prosecutor, something you can't effectively do on your own.

  4. 04

    Court deadlines, motions, and evidence rules are unforgiving. Missing one can cost you options you didn't know you had.

  5. 05

    Facing a charge alone is stressful. Having someone in your corner who has handled this exact situation before takes real weight off.

Every matter depends on its own facts, evidence and procedural posture. This section provides general information, not legal advice.

Practice Areas

Practice AreasWe Handle in Northern Virginia

Nichols & Green defends clients across five practice areas. Each links out to detailed pages covering the specific charge you're facing.

01

Criminal Charges

From a first misdemeanor to a serious felony, a criminal charge can follow you for years. We build a defense around the specific facts of your case and fight to keep it off your record.

Includes:Criminal Defense Attorney, Felony Defense, Misdemeanor Defense, Assault & Battery, Domestic Assault, Drug Crimes, Larceny/Theft, Fraud, Juvenile Crimes, Expungement.

Learn More 02

DUI/DWI

Virginia treats DUI/DWI as a serious criminal offense with mandatory penalties. Whether it's your first arrest or you're facing a breath, blood, or refusal charge, timing matters.

Includes:DUI Lawyer, First DUI, Second/Third DUI, DUI Breath Test, DUI Blood Test, DUI Refusal, Ignition Interlock.

Learn More 03

Traffic Offenses

Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge, not a simple ticket, and even a suspended license or CDL case can put your job at risk. We fight to keep points, fines, and convictions off your record.

Includes:Reckless Driving, Reckless Driving by Speed, Speeding, Aggressive Driving, Driving on Suspended License, CDL Defense, Driving Without a License.

Learn More 04

Hit & Run

Most hit-and-run charges in Virginia don't involve a serious injury, but the criminal penalties can still be significant. We work to show the full context of what happened.

Learn More 05

Property Crimes

Theft, embezzlement, shoplifting, and other property crimes are prosecuted aggressively in Northern Virginia. We push back on the evidence and the intent element prosecutors have to prove.

Learn More

Northern Virginia Courts

Jurisdictions We Serve

We represent clients in the General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts of the jurisdictions listed below.

Interactive court-area map

Map data ©OpenStreetMap contributors

Map focused on

Alexandria

Defense priorities

Our Approach

Every case is different, but our priorities on your behalf don't change.

Select a priority

NGDefense priority

Priority 01

Fight to Win at Trial

We're known for trying cases and winning, not for routinely pleading clients guilty. No outcome is guaranteed, but we don't default to a plea just because it's easier.

Discuss Your Case

Client Experiences

What OurClients Say

Real feedback from clients represented in DUI, accident, reckless-driving and traffic-ticket matters.

DUI Defense
“Garret Green did an excellent job handling my case. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. Thanks to his hard work and guidance, the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I highly recommend Garret to anyone looking for a skilled and trustworthy attorney.”

Abasin hidai

Confirmed case

Accident Case
“Attorney Green was great to work with. He communicated clearly throughout the process, kept me updated, and answered all my questions. Thanks to his help, my reckless driving charge was reduced to improper driving. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation!”

Amna Cheema

Nichols & Green client

Reckless Driving
“I just came out of my reckless driving case doing a 92 in a 55. A first offense. But green decriminalized my case and I didn’t even get a suspension on my license. I’m so so soooo happy with the outcome. Thank you so much!!”

Lysa Ward

Nichols & Green client

Dismissed Ticket
“Mr Green did an excellent job. He helped me fight an unfair ticket and get my ticket heavily reduced. His office made the process quick, easy, and affordable”

Thomas Smith

Nichols & Green client

Selected matters

Cases, not claims.

A closer look at representative matters handled for drivers and defendants across Northern Virginia.

04 selected outcomes
FILE 01 / NG Reduced

Reckless Driving

A criminal charge reduced to improper driving

The defense focused on the circumstances of the charge and the effect a conviction could have on the client’s work and driving record.

Matter
Reckless-driving allegation
Priority
Avoid a criminal conviction
ResolutionImproper driving
FILE 02 / NG Dismissed

Accident-Related Charge

Reckless-driving allegation after hitting a parked car

The incident was reviewed in context and prepared for court with the goal of avoiding a reckless-driving conviction.

Matter
Single-vehicle property accident
Priority
Protect the client’s record
ResolutionCharge dismissed
FILE 03 / NG Jail Avoided

High-Speed Case

Triple-digit speed with several related citations

A serious high-speed allegation required a strategy addressing potential jail exposure as well as several accompanying charges.

Matter
Reckless driving at triple-digit speed
Priority
Avoid incarceration
ResolutionNo jail; 3 dismissed
FILE 04 / NG Dismissed

Out-of-State Driver

Virginia ticket handled for a client living elsewhere

The representation accounted for the traffic allegation and the practical difficulty an out-of-state driver faced in returning to Virginia.

Matter
Following-too-closely ticket
Priority
Resolve from a distance
ResolutionTicket dismissed

Prior results depend on the facts and circumstances of each case and do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. Some details are limited to protect client confidentiality.

Open the case archive

Legal Insights

Know WhatComes Next

Explore our legal insights for clear, practical information on DUI charges, criminal offenses, and traffic violations in Virginia. Learn about your rights, understand the legal process, and discover what to expect when facing a legal matter.

Straight Answers

Frequently AskedQuestions

01 What should I do immediately after being charged with DUI in Virginia?

Stay polite but avoid making statements about the incident to police beyond what's legally required, and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Evidence like breath test calibration records and dashcam footage can be time-sensitive, so early legal advice matters.

02 Is DUI a criminal offense in Virginia?

Yes. A first-offense DUI in Virginia is a criminal misdemeanor, not just a traffic ticket, and it carries potential jail time, fines, and license consequences in addition to a permanent criminal record.

03 Will I lose my license for a first-offense DUI in Fairfax?

A DUI conviction in Virginia typically triggers a license suspension, though a restricted license for work, school, or medical needs is often available. The exact outcome depends on the facts of your case and your record, which is why early legal advice matters.

04 What's the difference between reckless driving and speeding in Virginia?

Simple speeding is usually a traffic infraction. Reckless driving, including reckless driving by speed at 20+ mph over the limit or above 85 mph, is charged as a criminal misdemeanor in Virginia and can carry jail time and a license suspension.

05 Can a misdemeanor be reduced to a lesser charge in Virginia?

It's possible, depending on the facts, your record, and the jurisdiction. Prosecutors sometimes agree to reduce a charge, such as reckless driving to improper driving, as part of a negotiated resolution. There's no guarantee, and it typically requires a strong defense strategy.

06 How long does a criminal charge stay on my record in Virginia?

In most cases, a conviction stays on your record permanently unless it's eligible for expungement, which generally requires the charge to have been dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or otherwise did not lead to a conviction.

07 Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket in Fairfax County?

You're not required to hire one, but many traffic charges in Virginia, including reckless driving, are criminal rather than civil, and a conviction can affect your license, insurance, and record. A consultation can help you understand what's actually at stake before you decide.

08 What areas of Northern Virginia does Nichols & Green serve?

We represent clients in Alexandria, Arlington County, Clarke County, Fairfax, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Fauquier County, Front Royal, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Shenandoah, and Stafford County, across the General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts.

General information only; not legal advice. Have counsel review these answers before publication.

Your Next Step

Facing DUI, Criminal, or Traffic Charges in Fairfax?Talk to a Defense Attorney Today.

The sooner you talk to an attorney, the more options you usually have. Call (571) 215-4718 or book a free, confidential consultation online.

Free consultation Confidential conversation Early guidance matters