Criminal Defense
Experienced Criminal Defense Protecting Your Future in Virginia · Lexington, VA
Published in partnership with Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC
Book online anytime
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC has been serving the Lexington, Virginia community and surrounding areas for nearly two decades, providing aggressive criminal defense representation for both civilian and military clients. Attorney Charles 'Van' Hardenbergh founded the practice on the principle that no one should carry a permanent criminal record for a mistake or misunderstanding — a philosophy that drives the firm's relentless approach to every case, regardless of severity.
The firm has built its reputation defending thousands of clients against a wide range of criminal and traffic charges, including reckless driving, DUI/DWI, misdemeanor offenses, marijuana possession, suspended license violations, assault, breaking and entering, and public intoxication. With a deep understanding of Virginia's criminal justice system and the unique needs of military personnel facing potential loss of security clearances or military suspension, Attorney Hardenbergh crafts defense strategies tailored to each client's specific circumstances and what's at stake — whether that's jail time, license suspension, job loss, or increased insurance premiums.
The Lexington office is conveniently located at 14 E Nelson Street in the heart of downtown, providing accessible legal representation for residents of Rockbridge County and the greater Shenandoah Valley. The practice has earned a 4.9-star rating from over 172 Google reviews, reflecting clients' appreciation for the firm's thorough preparation, transparent communication, and commitment to securing the best possible outcome. Unlike many criminal defense attorneys who focus narrowly on one practice area, Van Hardenbergh handles the full spectrum of criminal and traffic cases, bringing the same level of dedication to a speeding ticket as to a serious assault charge.
Charles V. Hardenbergh — Nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience in Virginia
Best for: Military personnel facing criminal charges that could affect their careers or security clearances, Virginia drivers charged with reckless driving or DUI, individuals facing misdemeanor offenses who want to avoid a permanent criminal record, anyone needing aggressive defense for traffic violations or suspended license charges
Service area: Lexington, VA and surrounding Rockbridge County, Shenandoah Valley, and throughout Virginia
Why choose Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC: Unlike many criminal defense attorneys who specialize narrowly, Charles V. Hardenbergh handles the full spectrum of criminal and traffic cases with equal dedication, from speeding tickets to serious felonies. His nearly 20 years of experience defending military personnel and security clearance holders — combined with a 4.9-star rating and thousands of cases handled — makes him uniquely qualified for clients facing career-ending consequences from Virginia criminal convictions.
Nearly 20 Years of Virginia Criminal Defense Experience: Attorney Charles 'Van' Hardenbergh has defended thousands of clients over nearly two decades, giving him deep knowledge of Virginia courts, prosecutors, and judges — and the strategies that work.
Military and Security Clearance Defense Specialist: Extensive experience representing active military personnel and clients with security clearances who face unique consequences from criminal convictions, including military suspension and clearance loss.
Every Case Treated as Critical: The firm fights equally hard for every client, recognizing that even minor convictions like reckless driving can result in permanent criminal records, job loss, and insurance premium increases.
4.9-Star Client Rating Across 172+ Google Reviews: Consistently high client satisfaction reflects the practice's responsive communication, thorough case preparation, and commitment to securing favorable outcomes.
What types of criminal and traffic cases does Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC handle?
The firm handles a comprehensive range of criminal defense and traffic matters including reckless driving, DUI/DWI, misdemeanor offenses, marijuana possession, public intoxication, suspended license violations, driving without a license, assault, and breaking and entering. Attorney Van Hardenbergh has nearly 20 years of experience defending clients against both minor traffic infractions and serious criminal charges throughout Virginia.
How much does it cost to hire Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC?
Fees vary depending on the complexity and severity of the charges. The firm offers a free initial consultation where Attorney Hardenbergh will evaluate your case and provide transparent pricing. Many clients find the cost worthwhile given the potential consequences of a conviction — including permanent criminal records, jail time, license suspension, job loss, security clearance revocation, and increased insurance premiums. The firm can be reached at (540) 462-3863 or toll-free at 1-866-VAN-WINS to discuss fees.
Does Attorney Hardenbergh have experience with military and security clearance cases?
Yes — Charles V. Hardenbergh has extensive experience representing active military personnel and clients who hold security clearances. He understands the unique stakes these clients face, including potential military suspension, loss of security clearances, and career-ending consequences. Over nearly 20 years, he has defended thousands of clients from both civilian and military backgrounds, making him well-equipped to navigate the specific requirements and implications of cases involving military service members.
What should I expect during my first meeting with Attorney Hardenbergh?
During your initial consultation, Attorney Hardenbergh will review the details of your case, explain the charges you're facing and their potential consequences (jail time, fines, license suspension, permanent record), discuss possible defense strategies, and answer all your questions. He'll also provide honest guidance on what outcomes to expect and outline the next steps. The firm offers a free reckless driving sentence estimator on their website to help you understand potential penalties before your consultation.
Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney for a minor charge like reckless driving?
In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor — a criminal offense, not just a traffic ticket. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, security clearances, military status, insurance rates, and more. Attorney Hardenbergh treats every case as critical because even 'minor' charges can have life-altering consequences. With nearly 20 years of experience, he knows how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and build defenses that can result in reduced charges or dismissals.
How do I schedule a consultation with Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC?
You can schedule a consultation by calling the Lexington office at (540) 462-3863, calling toll-free at 1-866-VAN-WINS, filling out the contact form on the firm's website at vanhardenbergh.com, or visiting the office directly at 14 E Nelson Street, Suite 100, Lexington, VA 24450. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Does the firm offer a free consultation?
Yes — Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case, evaluate your defense options, and answer your questions. Contact the firm at (540) 462-3863 or visit the website to get started.
What sets Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC apart from other criminal defense attorneys in Virginia?
Three key factors: nearly 20 years of experience defending thousands of clients (civilian and military), a commitment to treating every case — from speeding tickets to felonies — with equal seriousness, and a proven track record reflected in the firm's 4.9-star rating from 172+ Google reviews. Attorney Hardenbergh's deep knowledge of Virginia courts and his specialized experience with military and security clearance cases make him uniquely qualified to protect clients' futures.
“I had an outstanding experience working with the Charles V. Hardenbergh law firm, thanks in large part to their paralegal, Jack. From the very beginning, Jack demonstrated a level of professionalism that set the tone for my entire legal journey. Every interaction was handled with care, respect, and a genuine commitment to client service. What truly sets Jack apart was his exceptional communication skills and it didn’t matter the time of day. Also, the level of attention to detail not only made my experience stress-free, but also reflected the firm’s commitment to operational excellence. Jack’s strategic approach was evident in the overall direction of my case. By handling research, preparing materials, and coordinating communications, Jack played a key role in achieving a successful outcome. If you’re seeking a law firm that values professionalism, clear communication, and strategic organization, I highly recommend working with Charles V. Hardenbergh, paralegal Jack and the team. Their dedication and expertise made all the difference in my legal experience.”
— Lara Kitchin, Google Review
“I just want to take a moment to say how truly thankful and grateful I am to Paul for helping me with my case. Because of his hard work, dedication, and believing in me, everything worked out in my favor and I won my case with no charges on my driving record. That means more to me than words can explain. Situations like this can be stressful and overwhelming, but Paul stood by me, helped guide me through it, and made sure everything was handled the right way. I will always be grateful for the time, effort, and care he put into helping me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much, Paul. I truly appreciate everything you did for me and I’ll never forget it.”
— Ricci Locker, Google Review
“I had the privilege of being represented by the law firm of Charles V. Hardenbergh, P.C., and I can confidently say their services were excellent and outstanding in every respect. From the beginning of my case to its conclusion, the firm demonstrated exceptional professionalism, deep legal knowledge, and a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcome on my behalf. Their communication was clear and consistent, and I always felt fully informed and supported. I highly recommend Charles V. Hardenbergh, P.C. to anyone seeking reliable legal advice or representation in any court of law. Their dedication, skill, and integrity speak for themselves, and clients can trust they are in capable hands with this firm.”
— Ekachi Thomas, Google Review
“If you are pulled over for speeding, improper driving, reckless driving, or any other traffic violation in Virginia, make sure you pick up the phone and call the law office of Charles V. Hardenbergh. Their lawyers and the entire staff are phenomenal. This was the first time I had ever been cited for any kind of traffic violation, and Mr. Hardenbergh and his team were able to guide me through the entire process, to include evidence collection and building an effective defense in a very short amount of time. In particular, their paralegal Jack Sadler was always available to answer all of my questions, further advise me through the process, and give me an honest assessment of my case which ultimately turned out to be 100% accurate. This team is very experienced such that all of their advice is well-informed. They know VA traffic laws inside and out and have consistently produced positive results for many years. Ultimately, the team was able to have my charge reduced, which was the single best possible outcome that we could have hoped for. If you are considering traffic attorneys in VA, do yourself a favor and call Mr. Hardenbergh’s office ASAP.”
— Daniel, Google Review
“I am absolutely beyond pleased with Charles V. Hardenbergh Law Firm. They handled my reckless driving case and I couldn’t be happier with the results. From the beginning I was treated with respect . Mr Paul Creasey kept me grounded and was extremely helpful in the directions I needed to take, always answering my questions fully. This was a very stressful time for me and with Mr Creasey assistants I transcended the stresses and fears that go along with this type of case. I would recommend this Law Firm 100 percent. I also want to add that I learned a new respect for the privileges and laws of the road by taking the recommended driving course. Thank you again Mr Paul Creasey for your professionalism and care.”
— Joan Jackson, Google Review
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Phone: (540) 462-3863
Address: 14 E Nelson St # 100, Lexington, VA 24450 (Get directions)
Website: vanhardenbergh.com/offices/lexington--va-criminal-defense-attorney.cfm
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