Ray Ferris, Criminal Defense Attorney in Roanoke, Virginia
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior PartneratFerris & Eakin, P.C.
Roanoke, VA
Practicing criminal defense in Roanoke since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Ray Ferris?
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Quick answer
Ray Ferris is a senior partner based in Roanoke, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Ray has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ferris & Eakin, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Roanoke, VA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Estate Litigation · Estate Planning
- Handles Criminal Defense, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning matters from Roanoke, VA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Ray Ferris: Ray Ferris is a senior partner based in Roanoke, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Ray has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ferris & Eakin, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Ray takes on
Ray concentrates on criminal defense, estate litigation, estate planning, general, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ray handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Estate Litigation
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Estate Planning
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General
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Defense cases in Roanoke, Virginia
Ray takes criminal defense matters in Roanoke, 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 Ray agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Roanoke, Virginia
Ray takes estate litigation matters in Roanoke, 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 Ray agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Roanoke, Virginia
Ray takes estate planning matters in Roanoke, 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 Ray agrees to represent you.
General cases in Roanoke, Virginia
Ray takes general matters in Roanoke, 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 Ray agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Roanoke, Virginia
Ray takes personal injury matters in Roanoke, 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 Ray agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Ray Ferris — criminal defense lawyer in Roanoke
Ray Ferris is a senior partner based in Roanoke, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Ray has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ferris & Eakin, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
A former prosecutor, Ray Ferris is a trial attorney experienced in both the civil and criminal courts and is listed as one of the "Best Lawyers in America". His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense.
His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense.
Practice Style
Named one of the Legal Elite among Criminal Defense Attorneys in Virginia by the Virginia Business Journal, Mr. Ferris balances aggressive advocacy and common sense tempered by civility. He takes pride in maintaining a relationship based on trust with his clients and zealously protects their interests.
Professional Associations
Mr. Ferris belongs to the American Association for Justice, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
He frequently lectures on criminal and traffic law for the VTLA and VSB. He served on the Board of Governors for the Criminal Law Section from 1998 until 2002. Ray is on the faculty of the Virginia State Bar's Professionalism Course, is listed in Best Lawyers in America, and has been named as one of Virginia's Super Lawyers for four consecutive years by the publishers of Richmond Magazine.
Personal
Outside the office, Ray enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is an active member of the Roanoke Valley Rotary Club and serves as legal counsel to his church, St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church. He was recently elected to Roanoke City Council.
Education
Mr. Ferris earned a BBA from Roanoke College in 1976, and entered Law School at the University of Richmond in 1979. Graduating in 1982 with his Juris Doctorate Degree, he returned to Roanoke to practice law.
Honors
• Named one of the Legal Elite among Criminal Defense Attorneys in Virginia by the Virginia Business Journal
• Virginia’s Super Lawyers
Classes & Seminars
• Criminal and traffic law, VTLA and VSB
Fraternities or Sororities
• Pi Kappa Phi
Professional Associations
• American Association for Justice
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Working with Ray on a criminal defense matter
A former prosecutor, Ray Ferris is a trial attorney experienced in both the civil and criminal courts and is listed as one of the "Best Lawyers in America". His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense. His practice concentrates in the areas of personal injury plaintiff's litigation, criminal defense and traffic defense.…
Who Ray represents
Ray reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, estate litigation, and estate planning matters in Roanoke and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law
J.D. · 1982
Roanoke College
B.B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Ray's state bar admissions
Virginia U.S. Distri
1982 · ACTIVE
Ray studied at J.D. in University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law and B.B.A. in Roanoke College.
Law school and academic background
Ray completed J.D. in University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law and B.B.A. in Roanoke College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ray runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Ray has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Ray's professional memberships and bar associations
American Association for Justice Virginia Trial Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
membership
Locations
Ray Ferris's office in Roanoke
Ray's primary office is at 22 Luck Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, VA, 24011. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ray Ferris — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Ray. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Roanoke.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ray Ferris claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ray Ferris — 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 Ray usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ray charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ray'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; Ray will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Roanoke, 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 Ray
Ray 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. Ray confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ray'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 Ray Ferris
How much does it cost to hire Ray for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ray walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ray offer a free consultation?
Ray charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ray's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ray'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. Ray gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ray take my case if I'm outside Roanoke?
Ray 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 — Ray 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 Ray?
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. Ray will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ray accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Ray'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 Roanoke, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Ray 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.
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If Ray's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Roanoke handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
