Stephen P. Pfeiffer, Criminal Defense Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes · 5.0/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews
PartneratWolcott Rivers Gates, Attorneys at Law
Virginia Beach, VA
Practicing criminal defense in Virginia Beach since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 20 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Stephen P. Pfeiffer?
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Quick answer
Stephen P. Pfeiffer is a partner based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes. Stephen has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wolcott Rivers Gates, Attorneys at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
- Based in
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Federal Crimes
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes matters from Virginia Beach, VA.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Stephen P. Pfeiffer: Stephen P. Pfeiffer is a partner based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes. Stephen has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wolcott Rivers Gates, Attorneys at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Stephen P. Pfeiffer
Stephen concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, federal crimes, and violent crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Federal Crimes
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Stephen takes criminal defense matters in Virginia Beach, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Stephen takes dui/dwi matters in Virginia Beach, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Stephen takes federal crimes matters in Virginia Beach, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Violent Crimes cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Stephen takes violent crimes matters in Virginia Beach, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Stephen P. Pfeiffer — Over 19 years of Virginia criminal defense experience
Stephen P. Pfeiffer is a partner based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Federal Crimes. Stephen has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wolcott Rivers Gates, Attorneys at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 20 client reviews.
Stephen P. Pfeiffer is known locally as the “Go-To-DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney.” Stephen has been published as a coauthor in the in the nationally recognized “Inside the Minds” series by Aspatore Books on The Legality of Search and Seizure in DUI Cases “A Practitioner’s Everyday Insight Into DWI/DUI Defense in Virginia”.
Stephen has an AV® Preeminent Rating – the highest rating available from Martindale-Hubbell, the leading independent attorney rating entity. An AV® Rating signifies that the lawyer has reached the heights of professional excellence. Stephen is consistently selected as “Clients’ Choice” on Avvo.com. Stephen has been consistently recognized by his clients and peers and has obtained the highest rating available in the areas of DUI Defense, Criminal Defense and Federal Criminal Defense work.
Stephen was selected as a member of the National College of DUI Defense Attorneys and has been recognized as one of the top 100 DUI attorneys in Virginia by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense. Stephen is consistently recognized as one of Virginia’s Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine as well as being selected as a “Rising Star” by Virginia Super Lawyers. Recently Stephen was selected as Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers for Virginia by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Additionally, Stephen is a founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys. Stephen was recently selected as a “Top 10 Under 40” in the area of Criminal Law by the NACDA. Stephen was the American Bar Association’s 2007 National Champion in Legal Negotiations and serves as an adjunct professor at Regent University School of Law.
Stephen's approach to criminal defense cases
Stephen P. Pfeiffer is known locally as the “Go-To-DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney.” Stephen has been published as a coauthor in the in the nationally recognized “Inside the Minds” series by Aspatore Books on The Legality of Search and Seizure in DUI Cases “A Practitioner’s Everyday Insight Into DWI/DUI Defense in Virginia”. Stephen has an AV® Preeminent Rating – the highest rating available…
Clients Stephen works with
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and federal crimes matters in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Stephen P. Pfeiffer's legal education and bar admissions
Regent University School of Law
J.D. · 2007
Carroll College
B.A. · 2004
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2010 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2008 · ACTIVE
Virginia
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2007 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in Regent University School of Law and B.A. in Carroll College.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in Regent University School of Law and B.A. in Carroll College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen P. Pfeiffer
Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations
Virginia Beach Bar Association Virginia State Bar Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers National College of DUI Attorneys American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys National Advocacy for DUI Defense American Society of Legal Advocates
membership
Locations
Stephen P. Pfeiffer's office in Virginia Beach
Stephen's primary office is at 4417 Corporation Lane, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Wolcott Rivers Gates, Attorneys at Law
4417 Corporation Lane, Suite 400
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Stephen P. Pfeiffer — 5.0/5 rating from 20 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Virginia Beach.
5.0
20 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen P. Pfeiffer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen P. Pfeiffer — 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 Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach, 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 Stephen
Stephen 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen'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 Stephen P. Pfeiffer
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen'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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Virginia Beach?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Stephen'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 Virginia Beach, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Stephen 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.
More counsel
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If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Virginia Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.