David Whaley

David Whaley, Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond, Virginia

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury · 4.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

AttorneyatWhaley Paules, LLC

Richmond, VA

Practicing criminal defense in Richmond since 1979.

47+
Years practicing
4.0 ★
4 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. David has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whaley Paules, LLC. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in
Richmond, VA
Experience
over 47 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · Personal Injury
  • Handles Criminal Defense and Personal Injury matters from Richmond, VA.
  • Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About David Whaley: David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. David has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whaley Paules, LLC. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by David Whaley

David concentrates on criminal defense and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Richmond, Virginia

David takes criminal defense matters in Richmond, 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 David agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Richmond, Virginia

David takes personal injury matters in Richmond, 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 David agrees to represent you.

Biography

About David Whaley — Over 47 years of Virginia criminal defense experience

David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. David has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whaley Paules, LLC. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, Virginia. Here are some key details about his background, practice areas, honors and awards, representative cases, and professional associations:

Background:

Native of West Virginia.

Earned his law degree from the University of Richmond.

Founded the law firm of David Whaley LLC in Richmond in 1979, which is now known as Whaley Paules, LLC.

Practice Areas:

Focuses his practice in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury.

Honors and Awards:

Named to Super Lawyers in multiple years from 2009 to 2023.

Ranked Tier 1 Criminal Defense: General Practice in U.S. News - Best Lawyers® in 2021.

Named Lawyer of the Year, Criminal Defense: General Practice, by Best Lawyers® in 2021.

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for work in Criminal Defense: General Practice.

Holds the AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating.

Representative Cases:

United States vs. Fulcher, 250 F. 3rd 244, United States Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit.

United States vs. Fulcher, 188 F. Supp. 2nd 627, United States District Court, Western District of Virginia.

Colonial First Properties vs. Henrico County VA, 166 F. Supp. 2nd 1071, United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia.

Commonwealth v. Taylor, 256 Va. 514, and many others.

Professional Associations:

Richmond Bar Association.

Virginia Bar Association.

Virginia State Bar.

How David handles criminal defense matters

David Whaley is an attorney based in Richmond, Virginia. Here are some key details about his background, practice areas, honors and awards, representative cases, and professional associations: Background: Native of West Virginia. Earned his law degree from the University of Richmond. Founded the law firm of David Whaley LLC in Richmond in 1979, which is now known as Whaley Paules, LLC. Practice…

Who David represents

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and personal injury matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

David Whaley's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law

    J.D. · 1979

  • University of Richmond

    B.A. · 1977

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1990 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1979 · ACTIVE

  • Virginia

    1979 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law and B.A. in University of Richmond.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law and B.A. in University of Richmond. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of David Whaley

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

David Whaley's office in Richmond

David's primary office is at 100 West Franklin Street, Suite 301, Richmond, VA, 23220. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Whaley Paules, LLC

100 West Franklin Street, Suite 301

Richmond, VA 23220

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Whaley — 4.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Richmond.

4.0

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Whaley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Whaley — 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 David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, 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 David

David 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David'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 David Whaley

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David'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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Richmond?

    David 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 — David 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 David?

    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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    David'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 Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia

David 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

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.