Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Chesapeake, VA
James E. Short, PLC has provided dedicated legal representation for over 30 years, specializing in criminal defense, DUI/DWI, family law, and personal injury cases. As a former prosecutor and Portsmouth native, I bring insider knowledge of the legal system to every client's unique situation. Our firm prioritizes direct client communication, transparent case updates, and personalized legal strategies tailored to each individual's needs. With admission to the U.S.District Court and Supreme Court bar, we combine extensive courtroom experience with community-focused service. Our approach emphasizes accessibility, ethical practice, and honest referrals to ensure clients receive optimal legal solutions.
Services
DUI/DWI Defense
Reckless Driving
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Personal Injury
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Over 30 years of legal experience in criminal defense and family law
- Former prosecutor with insider knowledge of the legal system
- Personalized attention and prompt communication
- Honest referrals to other attorneys when needed
- Recognized by AVVO and Coastal Virginia Magazine for excellence
Associations and certifications
- AVVO Clients Choice Award
- Coastal Virginia Magazine Top Lawyer
- American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 10 Best
What people say
Worked harder for me
Promptly answered calls
Reduced DUI charge
Trusted voice
Successful documentation
Services
DUI/DWI Defense
Our DUI/DWI defense services protect clients facing drunk driving charges in Virginia. With former prosecutorial experience, we develop strategic defenses for motor vehicle, boat, or moped-related offenses. Services include license protection strategies, penalty minimization, and court representation to safeguard clients' futures.
Criminal Defense
We provide aggressive defense for misdemeanor and felony charges including assault, shoplifting, and domestic disputes. Our approach protects clients' employment prospects and future opportunities through case-specific strategies. Services cover pre-trial negotiations, evidence analysis, and courtroom representation in state and federal courts.
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, and support matters with sensitivity to emotional challenges. Services include contested/uncontested divorce proceedings, custody arrangements, and financial security planning. We prioritize conflict minimization while protecting clients' parental rights and economic interests.
Personal Injury
We represent clients seeking compensation for car accidents, slip-and-falls, and negligence-related injuries. Services include insurance negotiation, medical bill recovery, and lost wage claims. Our approach addresses financial burdens while clients focus on recovery, ensuring fair compensation for physical and emotional damages.
Reckless Driving
Our reckless driving defense protects clients facing criminal charges for aggressive driving behaviors. Services include license protection strategies, jail time prevention, and criminal record mitigation. We develop defense plans addressing speed-related violations and traffic offense consequences in Virginia's legal system.
People
James E. Short
Founder & Attorney
James Short has practiced law for over 30 years, previously serving as a prosecutor in Portsmouth. He specializes in criminal defense, DUI, family law, and personal injury. Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court bar, he combines courtroom experience with community involvement in Chesapeake.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach areas for all legal services.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary 20-minute criminal defense strategy sessions for prospective clients.
How can you help with DUI charges?
Our DUI defense includes license protection strategies, penalty reduction, and court representation using former prosecutorial insights.
What experience do you have in family law?
We handle contested/uncontested divorces, custody battles, and support cases with over 30 years of combined legal experience.
Can you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes, we represent clients in federal criminal defense matters with Supreme Court bar admission.
How do you communicate case updates?
We provide regular updates through scheduled appointments and maintain direct communication channels for case progress.
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