Family Law

• Divorce
  We are one of the few Hampton Roads/Tidewater area firms who regularly represent disabled persons whose applications for Social Security Disability benefits have been denied. These cases which are tried before a Social Security Administrative Law Judge require a great deal of preparation. This includes assembly of medical and employment records, vocational rehabilitation information and hearing preparation. Social Security Disability representation is undertaken on a contingent fee arrangement, as regulated by the Social Security Administration. In addition, we offer legal services in the areas of Family/Divorce law and Wills and Estate Administration.
• Child Support
  Go to DMV, and obtain a "Compliance Printout". That will tell you what needs to be done. If fines are owed, they must be paid in full or the Court(s) may allow you to get on a Payment Plan. Every Court has different requirements for Payment Plans. Child support arrears and unpaid judgments must be satisfied. We suggest you contact them in person. It is better to go in the afternoon. We can assist you with the requirements for reinstatement.
• Guardianship
  Do not wait until one's health deteriorates to the point that they are incapable of executing this document. We are contacted on a "too-regular" bases by concerned family members asking that we prepare a "Power of Attorney" for a relative who is in poor health. Often, their condition makes us unable to do so. The requirements for "guardianship" are much more complicated, difficult, and expensive than under previous statutes to changes in that law. We can assist with preparation of this document.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  At The Law Offices of Richardson & Rosenberg, LLC, our attorneys are trial attorneys - not "litigators". We focus on criminal defense and social security cases, providing a hands on approach that puts our clients interests above all else. We have over 75 years of combined experience and provide our clients with fully staffed offices in Portsmouth. In addition, we offer our clients home and/or hospital consultations to make your entire legal process a bit easier.
• DUI/DWI
  A: For First Offenses: the Judge can grant one for certain specific reasons. You must have a valid license to get a Restricted License. If your blood or breath test was less than.15, you may be able to, in lieu of a Restricted License, be required to drive with an Ignition Interlock for 12 months. You will have to get an "Ignition Interlock Device" installed on a vehicle for at least 6 months, either to obtain a Restricted License or for reinstatement of your operating privilege after suspension. DMV will also require you to obtain auto liability insurance in the amount of $5,000.00 per person/$100,000.00 total coverage, which is twice the legal minimum for drivers not convicted of DUI ($25,000.00 per person/$50,000.00 total coverage). If a Second Offense is within (10) years of the First Offense, a Judge can grant a Restricted License after (4) months, with an "Ignition Interlock Device" required. If it is within (5) years of the First Offense, a Judge can grant a Restricted License after (1) year with an "Ignition Interlock Device" required.
• Wrongful Death
  We represent persons injured by the negligence (failure to use proper care) of others. If we agree to represent you, no attorney’s fee is charged unless a recovery is made (contingency fee). All attorneys are experienced in representing people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in this situation. Barrett Richardson worked for a state – wide firm exclusively representing insurance companies for four years. His knowledge of the perspective of the “other side”, combined with Mike Rosenberg's experience in trying cases involving injury and Wrongful Death cases, is put to work for our clients.
• Traffic Violations
  When you have been charged with a traffic offense, whether it is speeding, reckless driving, or any other offense, it serves your best interests to get legal representation from a Portsmouth traffic defense attorney. Penalties for these traffic offenses vary. Some offenses are considered so dangerous to the community that they could include long periods of prison time. Whatever the offense you are facing, having skilled legal representation on your side can increase the possibility of a good outcome and a brighter future for you. Many people don't realize that these convictions can have serious repercussions in the future, such as increased car insurance, steep fines and jail time. Second or subsequent offenses carry heavier penalties, which can place you in even more serious legal trouble.
• Fraud
• Robbery
  Barrett Richardson's experience in Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ offices allows him to approach your case from two perspectives – that of an experienced defense attorney and an experienced prosecutor. Mike Rosenberg has served as a Special Prosecutor by appointment of the Judges of the Circuit Court of the City of Portsmouth in cases which have included Murder, Robbery, Malicious Wounding, and Firearm Offenses.
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Jury Trials - If a defendant pleads "Not Guilty", unless the defendant, Commonwealth, and Judge agree to have a Judge decide the case, (Bench Trial), a jury must decide the case. There are 12 jurors in a felony case, and 7 in a misdemeanor case. Should the defendant be found guilty, the jury, after hearing additional evidence including the defendant's records of previous juvenile and adult convictions, if any, recommends a sentence. If the jury finds the defendant guilty of some offenses relating to driving a motor vehicle, they will also be provided a copy of the defendant's DMV records.
• Drug Crimes
• Assault
  Q: I was arrested and charged with assault and battery. This was not true, but my ex-wife is trying to discredit me. What can I do ?
• Murder
  We defend Virginia State criminal cases ranging from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to the most serious felonies including murder. Each attorney has defended numerous murder cases in their careers including cases involving capital murder charges where a defendant faced a potential death sentence.
• Probation Violation
  All adult defendants sentenced to incarceration in Virginia for a felony offense are not eligible for parole, unless they are committed to the Youthful Offender Program or are eligible for Geriatric Parole. In Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Chesapeake, the original Judge does not have to hear the Probation Violation. In Portsmouth, the Judge who originally heard the case will hear Probation Violations if available.
• Homicide
• Hit and Run
  A: If you and / or the owner of the vehicle you were traveling in has insurance, the "Uninsured Motorist" coverage allows you to make a claim. This "Uninsured Motorist" coverage also may provide protection if a "hit and run" driver is involved.

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Real Estate Bond - Any fees for Deed Work or Title Search are not refundable. Note - this firm does not practice Real Estate Law.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Personal injury cases are extremely individual in the circumstances involved in the case. You or a loved one could have been injured due to a drunk driver, a faulty medical device or product, through negligent, reckless or even intentional acts of another person. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious damage to the body and fair compensation should be sought in every case. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by another, or due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact a Portsmouth personal injury attorney at once. At the Law Offices of Richardson and Rosenberg, LLC, the personal injury lawyer will quickly review the details of your case and will give you an idea of the types of compensation you may be able to ask for in your claim for damages.
• Auto Accidents
• Social Security Disability
  A: Generally, attorneys handling Social Security Disability claims take cases on a contingency basis. On a contingency fee case an attorney can charge no higher than a 25% contingency fee of an individual's back benefits. The claimant would be responsible for repayment of any cost advanced by the lawyer whether the claimant won or lost the case.
• Medicaid Planning

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
• Wills
  If one dies without a Will, all of their estate assets are divided according to the laws of Intestate (dying without a Will) Succession. Even if the provisions of Intestate Succession are satisfactory, additional effort and expenses to their heirs are caused by one's failure to have a Last Will and Testament prepared and executed. This document may be modified to address individual or family needs, desires, and concerns.
• Power of Attorney
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Debt Collection