Criminal Defense
45+ Years Defending Central Virginia's Rights · Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with The Goodman Law Firm
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The Goodman Law Firm has been providing aggressive criminal defense to Central Virginia for over 45 years. Founded by Scott Goodman, a former prosecutor with four decades of exclusive criminal law practice, the firm expanded in 2024 when his son Alexander Goodman joined after six years as a prosecutor. Both attorneys bring the rare advantage of having worked on both sides of the courtroom — they know how prosecutors think, how cases are built, and how to dismantle the state's arguments. This prosecutor-turned-defender perspective gives clients a strategic edge in cases ranging from traffic violations to serious felonies.
Scott Goodman has tried thousands of cases in Virginia courts, including nearly 200 jury trials, and has taught criminal law to both attorneys and police officers at the State Police Academy. Alexander Goodman served as a Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Louisa County from 2018-2024, prosecuting complex matters including murder, manslaughter, rape, RICO, and drug distribution cases. He is recognized for his expertise in digital evidence and courtroom technology. Together, they handle every type of criminal case in Virginia state, local, and juvenile courts — from DUI and traffic offenses to violent crimes, drug charges, white collar crime, protective orders, probation violations, and appeals.
The firm is known for prioritizing accessibility and clear communication. Clients consistently praise the Goodmans for being responsive, honest, and compassionate throughout the legal process. Operating 24/7 from their downtown Charlottesville office, they serve clients throughout Albemarle, Louisa, Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson, and surrounding counties. Whether you're facing a first-time DUI, a felony charge, a protective order, or need help with gun rights restoration or expungement, The Goodman Law Firm provides experienced, strategic defense at every stage — from arrest through trial and appeals.
The Goodman Law Firm also handles specialized cases including animal seizure defense (representing owners whose pets have been taken by the government), juvenile criminal matters, and drivers license restorations. Their deep roots in the Charlottesville legal community, combined with decades of courtroom experience and former prosecutor insight, make them one of the most trusted criminal defense resources in Central Virginia. The firm offers free consultations and accepts calls day or night.
Scott Goodman — 45+ years criminal law experience, former prosecutor, 200+ jury trials, taught criminal law at State Police Academy
Best for: Serious felony defendants, DUI cases, individuals seeking expungements, those facing drug charges, juvenile defendants
Service area: Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia
Why choose The Goodman Law Firm: Unlike most criminal defense attorneys, both Scott and Alexander Goodman are former prosecutors with a combined 50+ years of experience, giving them unique insight into how the state builds cases. Scott has tried nearly 200 jury cases over 45 years and taught criminal law at the State Police Academy, while Alex prosecuted serious felonies including murder and RICO cases as a Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney. Their 24/7 availability, free consultations, and 4.8-star rating from 202 reviews set them apart in the Charlottesville legal market.
Dual Prosecutorial Background: Both attorneys are former prosecutors—Scott with four decades in criminal law and Alex with six years as a Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney—giving them insider perspective on how prosecutors build cases and how to effectively counter them.
Exceptional Trial Experience: Scott has tried thousands of cases including nearly 200 jury trials, while Alex brings expertise in complex criminal matters including murder, RICO, and digital evidence use in courtrooms.
Comprehensive Criminal Coverage: Full-service defense across misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, juvenile/domestic cases, appeals, expungements, gun rights restorations, and probation violations—handling cases at every stage of the legal process.
| Service | Details | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Felony Criminal Defense | Expert felony defense for violent, property, drug, and white collar crimes in Virginia courts. | |
| Misdemeanor Criminal Defense | Experienced legal representation for misdemeanor charges in Central Virginia with over 45 years of combined expertise. | |
| DUI & Traffic Defense | Experienced DUI and traffic defense representation in Central Virginia with over 45 years of practice. |
What types of criminal cases does The Goodman Law Firm handle?
The firm defends all misdemeanor and felony cases in Virginia state, local, and juvenile courts. This includes DUI and traffic offenses, violent crimes (assault, domestic violence, robbery), property crimes (burglary, theft, vandalism), drug offenses (possession, distribution), white collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement), digital and internet crimes, protective order defense, probation violations, gun rights restorations, appeals, expungements, and animal seizure cases. Both attorneys have experience with serious felonies including murder, manslaughter, rape, and RICO cases.
What experience do the attorneys have?
Scott Goodman has over 45 years of criminal law experience exclusively in criminal defense and prosecution. He has tried nearly 200 jury cases and taught criminal law to lawyers and police officers at the State Police Academy. Alexander Goodman served as a Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Louisa County from 2018-2024, prosecuting complex criminal matters including murder, rape, and drug distribution. He was previously a Fellow with the Petersburg Public Defender's Office and is known for his expertise in digital evidence. Both are former prosecutors, giving them unique insight into how the state builds cases.
How much does criminal defense representation cost?
The firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and provide a fee structure. Fees vary based on the complexity and type of case — a traffic ticket or first-time DUI will cost significantly less than a serious felony trial. During your free consultation, the attorneys will provide an honest assessment of your case and clear pricing information. Call (434) 962-3000 or email [email protected] to schedule.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
Your initial consultation is free and confidential. You'll meet with Scott or Alexander Goodman to discuss the charges against you, the evidence, your options, and the potential outcomes. The attorneys will explain the legal process, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case. They'll also discuss fees and next steps. Consultations are available 24/7 — the firm prioritizes accessibility and clear communication from the first contact.
What areas does the firm serve?
The Goodman Law Firm is based in downtown Charlottesville and serves clients throughout Central Virginia, including Albemarle, Louisa, Fluvanna, Greene, and Nelson counties. The attorneys regularly appear in courts across the region and are licensed to practice in all Virginia state and local courts.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after being charged?
As soon as possible. Early involvement of an attorney can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. The Goodman Law Firm is available 24/7 for consultations — call (434) 962-3000 immediately if you've been arrested, charged, or are under investigation. The sooner an attorney reviews the evidence and begins building your defense, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Can you help with expungements or restoring gun rights?
Yes. The firm handles both expungements (clearing criminal records) and gun rights restorations. Virginia law allows certain convictions to be expunged or sealed, and the firm can petition to restore Second Amendment rights for those who have lost them due to criminal charges. Scott and Alexander Goodman will evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process.
What makes The Goodman Law Firm different from other criminal defense attorneys?
Both Scott and Alexander Goodman are former prosecutors, which gives them unique insight into how the state builds and argues cases. Scott has 45+ years of experience and has tried nearly 200 jury trials. Alex brings six years of prosecutor experience at the Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney level, including handling murder, rape, and RICO cases. They operate 24/7, offer free consultations, and are known for being highly accessible and communicative. Clients consistently praise their honesty, responsiveness, and fighting spirit.
“I want to thank my attorney Alexander Goodman for representing me through my case. He went above and beyond for me and I feel like he would do the same for anybody he represents. he is very nice, considerate and extremely understanding and very knowledgeable and professional. I'm very thankful for my outcome in my case and I couldn't have done it without Alex. He will work extremely hard to give you the best outcome possible. I highly highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.”
— Heather Eppard, Google Review
“I want to thank Mr. Alexander Goodman for representing me and being one of the best attorneys in Charlottesville. His care for his clients go beyond and exceeds what a client can ask for. He also fights for what is right and always finds a way to do the best he can for his clients. He is the best and an amazing attorney. I highly recommend him.🙏”
— Crystal Carrillo, Google Review
“Scott Goodman is an excellent attorney. She is very knowledgeable in criminal law. She looks after you and your best interest. I am very pleased with her. She delivered great results for me. I highly recommend her.”
— Dylan Jude, Google Review
“I used Scott 2 years ago. He is professional and extremely talented. I had a great outcome. I hired him again for that exact reason. I am praying for another great outcome. If you require good results Scott is your man.”
— Joseph Schiavone, Google Review
“Alex Goodman is a phenomenal attorney! She is both professional and compassionate when it comes to her clients. It goes to show how much she cares! Would recommend her to anyone needing an attorney!”
— Bryce Paquette, Google Review
Book online: Get Free Consultation →
Phone: (434) 962-3000
Address: 205 E High St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Get directions)
Website: cvillelawyer.com/
Yelp: The Goodman Law Firm on Yelp
Google: The Goodman Law Firm on Google