Criminal Defense
Aggressive Criminal Defense for Virginia Drivers and Service Members · 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 is a criminal defense law firm based in Lexington, Virginia, dedicated to protecting clients from the lifelong consequences of criminal convictions. Founded by attorney Charles 'Van' Hardenbergh, the firm has spent nearly 20 years defending thousands of Virginia residents—from civilians to active-duty military service members—against charges ranging from reckless driving and DUI to misdemeanors and serious felonies. The firm's philosophy is simple: no one should carry a permanent criminal record for a mistake or misunderstanding, and every client deserves an aggressive, strategic defense regardless of the charge.
Attorney Van Hardenbergh handles a wide range of criminal matters, including reckless driving (one of the most common criminal charges in Virginia), driving under the influence, suspended license violations, marijuana possession, public intoxication, assault, breaking and entering, and driving without a license. He understands that a conviction in Virginia often means permanent consequences—jail time, license suspension, job loss, loss of security clearances, military discharge, and skyrocketing insurance premiums. His approach is to build the strongest possible defense from day one, leveraging his extensive courtroom experience and knowledge of Virginia's criminal justice system to protect his clients' futures. The firm also offers a free reckless driving sentence estimator tool to help prospective clients understand what they're facing.
The Lexington office is centrally located on East Nelson Street, just steps from downtown, and serves clients throughout Rockbridge County and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley region. Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC has earned a 4.9-star rating on Google from over 170 reviews, reflecting a track record of satisfied clients who appreciated the firm's responsiveness, clear communication, and tenacious advocacy. Whether you're a local resident, a college student, or a service member stationed nearby, the firm is equipped to handle your case with the seriousness and skill it demands.
What sets this firm apart is its unwavering commitment to treating every case—big or small—as equally important. Van Hardenbergh doesn't see a difference between defending a speeding ticket and defending an assault charge when it comes to protecting a client's future. He knows that even minor convictions can derail careers, damage reputations, and limit opportunities. That client-first mindset, combined with nearly two decades of courtroom success and a deep understanding of how Virginia courts handle criminal cases, makes Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC one of the most trusted criminal defense practices in the Lexington area.
Charles V. Hardenbergh — Nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience
Best for: Virginia drivers facing reckless driving or DUI charges, active-duty military personnel who need to protect security clearances and military careers, college students charged with misdemeanors, first-time offenders worried about permanent criminal records, anyone facing assault or suspended license charges in Rockbridge County or the Shenandoah Valley
Service area: Lexington, VA and surrounding Rockbridge County, Shenandoah Valley region
Why choose Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC: Unlike many criminal defense attorneys who handle a broad range of practice areas, Charles V. Hardenbergh has spent nearly 20 years specializing in criminal defense—particularly reckless driving and DUI cases—for both civilian and military clients in Virginia courts. His deep familiarity with local judges and prosecutors, combined with a 4.9-star Google rating from over 170 reviews and a unique free sentence estimator tool, gives clients a strategic advantage and transparency that's rare in the Lexington legal market.
Nearly 20 Years Defending Virginia Drivers and Service Members: Attorney Charles 'Van' Hardenbergh has spent nearly two decades representing thousands of clients—including active-duty military personnel—in Virginia criminal courts, giving him deep familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures.
Treats Every Case as Equally Important: Whether it's a traffic ticket or a felony charge, the firm fights with the same level of intensity and preparation, recognizing that even minor convictions can have life-altering consequences for clients' careers, licenses, and futures.
4.9-Star Google Rating from 172+ Reviews: With overwhelmingly positive client feedback, the firm has built a reputation for clear communication, responsiveness, and successful outcomes in criminal defense cases throughout the Lexington area.
Free Reckless Driving Sentence Estimator Tool: The firm offers a unique online tool that helps prospective clients understand the potential penalties they're facing for reckless driving charges, providing transparency and informed decision-making from the start.
What makes Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC different from other criminal defense attorneys in Virginia?
Attorney Charles 'Van' Hardenbergh has nearly 20 years of experience defending thousands of clients—including active-duty military service members—against criminal charges in Virginia courts. He treats every case with equal urgency, whether it's a minor traffic violation or a serious felony, because he understands that even small convictions can have permanent consequences. The firm holds a 4.9-star Google rating from over 170 reviews, reflecting a track record of clear communication, aggressive advocacy, and successful outcomes. Van's deep familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and Virginia's criminal justice system gives clients a strategic advantage in court.
What criminal charges does the firm handle?
Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, including reckless driving (one of the most common criminal offenses in Virginia), driving under the influence (DUI), suspended license violations, driving without a license, misdemeanor offenses, marijuana possession, public intoxication, assault, and breaking and entering. The firm handles both misdemeanor and felony cases, and has extensive experience defending military personnel who face additional consequences like loss of security clearances or discharge.
What are the potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Virginia?
A criminal conviction in Virginia—even for a minor offense like reckless driving—can result in jail time, license suspension, a permanent criminal record, job loss, loss of security clearances (for military and government employees), military discharge, and significantly increased insurance premiums. Virginia does not allow most criminal convictions to be expunged, meaning they remain on your record permanently. This is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney like Van Hardenbergh is critical—he fights to prevent convictions or minimize penalties so clients can protect their futures.
How much does it cost to hire Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC?
The firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and provide an honest assessment of your situation. Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the charge, the amount of court time required, and the specific defense strategy needed. During your consultation, the firm will provide clear pricing information and explain what to expect throughout the legal process. Many clients find that investing in experienced legal representation saves them far more in the long run by avoiding fines, license suspensions, job loss, and insurance increases.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
During your initial consultation, you'll meet with attorney Charles 'Van' Hardenbergh to discuss the details of your case, including the charges you're facing, the circumstances of your arrest, and any evidence or witness statements involved. Van will explain Virginia's criminal laws as they apply to your situation, outline potential defenses, and give you an honest assessment of the likely outcomes. He'll also walk you through the legal process, answer your questions, and provide a clear plan for moving forward. The consultation is designed to be informative, pressure-free, and focused on helping you understand your options.
Does the firm represent military service members?
Yes. Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC has extensive experience representing active-duty military personnel facing criminal charges in Virginia. Van understands the unique consequences military clients face—including potential loss of security clearances, administrative actions, and separation from service—and works closely with clients to protect both their civilian and military careers. The firm has successfully defended thousands of military clients over nearly 20 years.
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can schedule a consultation by calling the Lexington office at (540) 462-3863, using the toll-free number 1-866-VAN-WINS, or filling out the contact form on the firm's website. The office is located at 14 E Nelson St, Suite 100, Lexington, VA 24450, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The firm offers free consultations and responds quickly to new inquiries.
Can the firm help with reckless driving charges?
Absolutely. Reckless driving is one of the most common criminal charges the firm defends, and it's often misunderstood by drivers who assume it's just a traffic ticket. In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense that can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, license suspension, and insurance increases. Attorney Van Hardenbergh has defended thousands of reckless driving cases and knows how to challenge radar evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and present mitigating factors to judges. The firm also offers a free online reckless driving sentence estimator to help you understand what you're facing.
“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
Book online: Schedule Consultation →
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
Facebook: Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC on Facebook
LinkedIn: Charles V. Hardenbergh, PC on LinkedIn