Benjamin Spencer Cross, Criminal Defense Attorney in Staunton, Virginia
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DV Defense, and Litigation · 2.1/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatNelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C.
Staunton, VA
Practicing criminal defense in Staunton since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 2.1 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Benjamin Spencer Cross?
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Quick answer
Benjamin Spencer Cross is a member based in Staunton, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DV Defense, and Litigation. Benjamin has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C.. Rated 2.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Staunton, VA
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DV Defense · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, DV Defense, and Litigation matters from Staunton, VA.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Benjamin Spencer Cross: Benjamin Spencer Cross is a member based in Staunton, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DV Defense, and Litigation. Benjamin has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C.. Rated 2.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Benjamin Spencer Cross
Benjamin concentrates on criminal defense, dv defense, litigation, personal injury, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Benjamin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DV Defense
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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POA
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Criminal Defense cases in Staunton, Virginia
Benjamin takes criminal defense matters in Staunton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Staunton, Virginia
Benjamin takes dv defense matters in Staunton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Staunton, Virginia
Benjamin takes litigation matters in Staunton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Staunton, Virginia
Benjamin takes personal injury matters in Staunton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
POA cases in Staunton, Virginia
Benjamin takes poa matters in Staunton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Benjamin Spencer Cross — Over 25 years of Virginia criminal defense experience
Benjamin Spencer Cross is a member based in Staunton, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DV Defense, and Litigation. Benjamin has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C.. Rated 2.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Mr. Benjamin Spencer Cross is a lawyer practicing domestic violence, criminal defense, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Benjamin has been licensed for 25 years. Benjamin practices at Nelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C. in Staunton, VA.
Working with Benjamin on a criminal defense matter
Mr. Benjamin Spencer Cross is a lawyer practicing domestic violence, criminal defense, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Benjamin has been licensed for 25 years. Benjamin practices at Nelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C. in Staunton, VA.
Who Benjamin represents
Benjamin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dv defense, and litigation matters in Staunton and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Benjamin Spencer Cross's legal education and bar admissions
University of Texas School of Law
JD · 1999
Jurisdictions
Benjamin's state bar admissions
Virginia New Mexico
2001 · ACTIVE
Benjamin studied at JD in University of Texas School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Benjamin completed JD in University of Texas School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Benjamin runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Benjamin Spencer Cross
Benjamin has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Benjamin Spencer Cross's office in Staunton
Benjamin's primary office is at 12 N. New St., Staunton, VA, 24402-1287. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Nelson, McPherson, Summers & Santos, L.C.
12 N. New St.
Staunton, VA 24402-1287
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Benjamin Spencer Cross — 2.1/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Benjamin. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Staunton.
2.1
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Benjamin Spencer Cross claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Benjamin Spencer Cross — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Benjamin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Benjamin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Benjamin's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Benjamin will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Staunton, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Benjamin
Benjamin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Benjamin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Benjamin's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Benjamin Spencer Cross
How much does it cost to hire Benjamin for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Benjamin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Benjamin offer a free consultation?
Benjamin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Benjamin's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Benjamin's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Benjamin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Benjamin take my case if I'm outside Staunton?
Benjamin is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Benjamin will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Benjamin?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Benjamin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Benjamin accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Benjamin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Staunton, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Benjamin handles criminal defense matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Virginia
If Benjamin's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Staunton handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





